Have you ever wondered how people who lose an eye get an ocular prosthesis that looks so real? The answer is through a special type of artist called an ocularist.
Ocularists mix science with art to help people in ways that truly normalize lives. Let’s dive into what an ocularist is, what they do, and why their work matters so much.
What is an Ocularist?
An ocularist is a skilled professional who creates and fits artificial eyes. Imagine someone who can make an ocular prosthesis that matches your living eye so well that others might not even notice it’s artificial.
That’s an ocularist’s main goal. They make artificial eyes that look real while also ensuring they fit properly in the eye socket and are comfortable to wear.
What Does an Ocularist Do?
An ocularist’s job is pretty incredible. First, they consult with the person needing the artificial eye to understand their needs. An exam is done as part of the consultation to determine sizing, shape, and other key factors.
Then, they start the creative process, carefully customizing the artificial eye so that it matches the companion.
But their job doesn’t stop at appearances. They also do their best to capture as much of the socket tissue movement as possible while keeping comfort.
It’s a role that combines being an artist, a scientist, and a friend all in one.
The Path to Becoming an Ocularist
Becoming an ocularist isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a journey that requires a lot of learning and practice.
First, you need a strong interest in helping people in a very special way.
A great example of this is one of our very own ocularists, Starla Hadlock-Allen. When asked about what leads people to become an ocularist, she said, “It’s such a specialized field. It’s usually either a generational family practice, you personally know somebody that has lost an eye, or you personally have lost an eye. That is usually how it starts.”
From there, Starla expanded on the rest of the process she went through for training/internship to becoming an ocularist.
“After receiving my college degree, I began an internship through the American Society of Ocularists under the supervision of a Board Certified Ocularist. From that point, I learned all about the eye, its anatomy, and how to apply that knowledge in the creation – fitting, coloring, and fabricating – of an ocular prosthesis. The internship was 5 years.”
An ocularist does this for over 10,000 hours per year to develop the skill level necessary to provide the services needed to successfully work with patients.
Even beyond their initial training, most ocularists spend years studying and practicing. They work closely with experts to learn the craft of making and fitting artificial eyes.
They also learn how to listen and communicate with people who need their help, which is a key aspect of being an expert in this field.
Importance of Choosing a Board-Certified Ocularist
When someone needs an artificial eye, it’s crucial to work with an expert.
A board-certified ocularist has developed the skills and knowledge to do the job correctly. They’ve passed exams – practical and written, which demonstrate their ability to create comfortable and realistic looking eyes.
When you choose an ocularist with this certification, you can be confident that they can take care of your prosthetic needs. You’re getting help from someone who is an expert in the field.
Ocularists vs. Other Eye Care Professionals
It might be confusing to determine who does what when it comes to eye care. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who can do eye surgery and treat eye diseases.
- Optometrists help check your vision and prescribe glasses or contacts.
- Opticians are the ones who fit your glasses or contacts.
- Ocularists are the artists and technicians who create and fit artificial eyes.
Each of these professionals plays a different but important role in taking care of the eye, whether it’s helping you see better or making sure an artificial eye looks and feels as natural as possible.
Why to Trust the Ocularists at Eye Concern
The professional team here at Eye Concern has nearly 50 years of experience serving as top ocularists. We are a family-owned company with a clear mission to provide the best services possible for our patients.
No matter your reason for needing an ocular prosthesis, we are here to help you. Trust our expert ocularists to create beautiful and functional custom artificial eyes that give you back your confidence. You’ll love working with our team and the results you’ll see from yourself.
Finding the Right Ocularist for You
Choosing the right ocularist is a big step in your journey, whether for yourself or a loved one. It’s about finding an ocularist who has the skills and the heart to understand and support you. A board-certified ocularist at Eye Concern will offer you their expertise and a level of trust and assurance that you’re getting the best care possible.
If you need an ocular prosthesis, please contact Eye Concern. Reach out to one of our board-certified ocularists today and take the first step toward a solution that feels right for you.
