Ophthalmic Nurse
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Those holding the advanced registered nurse (ARN) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) role with an ophthalmology specialty manage both preoperative and postoperative patient care. They provide care to patients of all ages, performing procedures such as conducting eye examinations; administering medications; and educating patients, families, and other health care providers about eye conditions, treatments, and prevention.
What Does an Ophthalmic Nurse Do?
Ophthalmic nurses are responsible for the delivery of patient care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They assess patients, develop and implement care plans, and provide education and support to patients and their families. Ophthalmic nurses may also assist with surgeries, administer medications, and perform other procedures. They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as ophthalmologists, optometrists, and primary care physicians, to provide comprehensive care to patients with eye conditions.
How To Become an Ophthalmic Nurse
To become an ophthalmic nurse, you must first complete a nursing program accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLN) or American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and obtain your RN license. You will then need to complete an ophthalmic nursing certification program. There are several different certification programs available, so you should choose one that is accredited by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) or the American Association of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses (AAORN). In most cases, you will need to have at least two years of experience working in ophthalmology before you are eligible to take the certification exam. After you have completed the certification program and passed the exam, you will be eligible to work as an ophthalmic nurse.
