Tacit Optometry Basics

  • Course
  • 244 Lessons

Contents

Module 1 - Introduction to Optometry

In this module, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what optometry is and the vital role optometrists play in patient care. You’ll also learn about your role as an optometrist scribe, explore foundational knowledge of the field, review essential abbreviations, and begin building your clinical vocabulary to confidently support patient interactions and documentation.

What Is Optometry?
The Optometrist's Role in Patient Care
Understanding the Eye Care Team
Where Optometrists Practice
Your Role as an Optometry Scribe
Why Foundational Knowledge Matters
A Day in the Life of an Optometry Scribe
Essential Abbreviations You'll Encounter
The Anatomy of a Complete Chart
Building Your Clinical Vocabulary
Quality Documentation Standards
Common Documentation Pitfalls
The Importance of Context
The Value You Bring to the Practice
Module Summary: Key Takeaways
Preparing for the Next Module
Your Journey Begins Here
Optometry Scribing Training Module.mp4
Module 1 - Intro to Optometry.pptx
Optometry Module 1 Quiz – Introduction to Optometry

Module 2 - Anatomy and Physiology

Welcome to Module 2 of your optometry scribe training. In this comprehensive lesson, we'll explore how the eye is built, how it processes light, and what each structure does to enable vision. By understanding ocular anatomy, you'll be able to follow along when the doctor dictates findings and use accurate terminology in clinical documentation.

Why This Matters for Scribes
The Eye as a Camera
External Structures of the Eye
Internal Structures
Layers of the Eye (Front to Back)
Eyelids
Eyelashes and Lid Margins
Puncta and Tear Drainage
Palpebral and Bulbar Conjunctiva
The Visual Pathway
Extraocular Muscles
Ocular Segments and Charting Terms
Common Anatomical Directions
The Tear Film and Ocular Surface
Common Ocular Findings and Locations
The Complete Path of Vision
Common Abbreviations in Optometry
Module Summary
Next Steps
Module 2 Video.mp4
Module 2 - Anatomy and Physiology.pptx
Optometry Module 2 Quiz – Ocular Anatomy & Physiology

Module 3: Common Optometric Tests & Instruments

Welcome to Module 3 of the optometry curriculum. This comprehensive module explores the standard tests and diagnostic instruments used during comprehensive eye examinations. Understanding these tools and procedures is essential for medical scribes to accurately follow doctor dictation, recognize clinical abbreviations, and understand the relationship between specific tests and their corresponding findings in patient charts.

Understanding Eye Exams and Diagnostic Tools
Visual Acuity Testing
Snellen Chart
Refraction: Determining the Prescription
Phoropter
Pupils and Ocular Motility Assessment
Visual Field Testing
Visual Field Report
Intraocular Pressure & Angle Assessment
Slit Lamp Examination & Anterior Segment Imaging
Sodium Fluorescein Staining
Posterior Segment Examination
OCT Imaging
Optos Imaging – Widefield Retinal Photo
Additional Diagnostic Tests
Comprehensive Instruments Reference
Key Takeaways for Medical Scribes
Looking Ahead: Module 4
Module 3 Video.mp4
Module 3 - Optometric Tests and Instruments.pptx
Module 3 Quiz: Common Optometric Tests & Instruments

Module 4: Refractive Conditions and Diagnoses

Understanding how light focuses in the eye and recognizing common refractive errors

Introduction to Refractive Conditions
The Four Primary Refractive Errors
Myopia and Hyperopia
Myopia in Detail
Hyperopia in Detail
Hyperopia
Astigmatism in Detail
Astigmatism
Astigmatism
Presbyopia: The Aging Eye
Anisometropia
Amblyopia: Lazy Eye
Putting It All Together
Key Abbreviations Recap
Scribe Tips for Charting Refractive Findings
Module 4 Recap
Coming Up Next
Module 4 Video.mp4
Module 4 - Refractice Conditions and Diagnoses.pptx
Module 4 Quiz: Refractive Conditions and Diagnoses

Module 5: Optical and Prescriptions

Understanding how refractive findings are transformed into glasses prescriptions and how to document them accurately in the clinical setting.

Purpose of Glasses Prescriptions
Components of a Glasses Prescription
Understanding the Signs (+/–)
Axis and Cylinder Explained
Anatomy of a Glasses Prescription
ADD Power for Near Vision
Types of Lens Prescriptions
Lined Bifocal vs. Progressive
Additional Prescription Terms
Lens Materials
Lens Coatings and Enhancements
Prism in Prescriptions
Troubleshooting Common Optical Issues
Documentation Tips for Scribes
Module 5 Recap
Coming Up Next
Module 5 Video.mp4
Module 5 Optical and Prescriptions.pptx
Module 5 Quiz: Optical and Glasses Prescriptions

Module 6: Contact Lens Evaluation and Documentation

From soft daily wear to specialty lenses — understanding evaluation, fitting, and documentation.

Purpose of Contact Lens Training for Scribes
Overview of Contact Lens Types
Soft Contact Lenses
Contact Lens Replacement Schedules
Manufacturer Overview
Using ODspecs for Contact Lens Reference
Toric Contact Lenses (for Astigmatism)
Tables
Multifocal Contact Lenses (for Presbyopia)
Tables
Monovision Contact Lens Correction
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
Hybrid Contact Lenses
Scleral Lenses: Specialized Documentation
Scleral Lenses
Contact Lens Fitting Process
Contact Lens Follow-Up and Troubleshooting
Common Abbreviations and Charting Terms
Specialty Lens Considerations
Documentation Example: Translating Dictation to Chart
Troubleshooting and Red Flags
Module 6 Recap
Mastering Contact Lens Documentation
Coming Up Next: Module 7
Module 6 - Contact Lenses.mp4
Module 6 - Contact Lenses.pptx
Module 6 Quiz: Contact Lenses

Module 7: Binocular Vision and Accommodation

How the eyes work together for clear, single vision.

This module equips medical scribes and ophthalmic support staff with the essential knowledge to accurately document binocular vision examinations. Understanding how both eyes coordinate to create unified, three-dimensional vision is fundamental to supporting quality patient care in optometry and ophthalmology practices.

Purpose of Binocular Vision Training for Scribes
Overview of Binocular Vision
Common Symptoms of Binocular Vision Disorders
Key Tests and Terminology
Cover Test in Detail
Strabismus
Near Point of Convergence (NPC)
Near Point of Convergence (NPC)
Accommodation Testing
Stereopsis and Depth Perception
Clinical Examples of Findings
Abbreviations Recap
Documentation Examples
Module 7 Recap
Coming Up Next
Module 7 - Binocular Vision and Accommodation.mp4
Module 7 - Binocular Vision and Accommodation.pptx
Module 7 Quiz: Binocular Vision and Accommodation

Module 8: Ocular Disease and Medical Eye Care

Understanding eye diseases and proper documentation for safe patient care

Module 8: Ocular Disease and Medical Eye Care
Purpose of Ocular Disease Training for Scribes
Overview of Eye Segments
Anterior Segment Disease – Cornea (K)
Anterior Segment Disease – Conjunctiva and Sclera
Anterior Chamber/Anterior Segment
External Findings – General Lid & Periorbital
External Findings – Dermatochalasis
External Findings – Eyelids and Adnexa (cont.)
Ptosis
Lid Margin & Lash Findings
Blepharitis
Conjunctiva – Normal & General Findings
Conjunctiva Injection
Conjunctiva – Inflammatory & Pathologic Findings
Giant Papillary conjunctivitis and Subconjunctival hemorrhage
Cornea – Normal and Basic Findings
SPK or PEE (superficial punctate keratitis or punctate epithelial erosions)
Corneal Pathology – Structural and Degenerative Changes
Krukenberg’s spindle (pigment on endothelium) and Arcus
Corneal Pathology – Infectious and Traumatic Findings
Corneal Surgery and Post-Surgical Findings
LASIK Flap/RK Incisions
Anterior Chamber (AC) – Normal and Basic Findings
Iris – Normal and General Findings
Iris – Vascular and Structural Findings
Lens and Cataract Findings
Natural Lens Findings (Phakic Patients)
Cataract
Lens Displacement and Absence
Pseudophakia and Post-Surgical Findings
Posterior Segment – Retina
Coming Up NextOptic Disc – Normal Appearance
Posterior Segment – Optic Nerve and Glaucoma
Understanding Cup-to-Disc (C/D) Ratio
C/D Ratio: Clinical Observations
Common Optic Disc/Nerve Findings
Peripapillary and Structural Changes
Vitreous and Miscellaneous Posterior Findings
Macula – Normal and Basic Findings
Macular Degeneration and Drusen
Macula
Macular Vascular and Hemorrhagic Findings
Retinal Hemorrhage
Macular Scarring and Post-Treatment Findings
Retinal Hemorrhage
Peripheral Retina – Normal and General Findings
Peripheral Retina – Pigment, Scar, and Mass Findings
Peripheral Retina – Vitreoretinal & Other Findings
Retinal Detachment
Urgent and Emergent Findings
Common Abbreviations for Ocular Disease
Scribe Documentation Examples
Troubleshooting and Red Flags
Module 8 Recap
Coming Up Next
Module 8 - Ocular Disease.mp4
Module 8 - Ocular Disease and Medical Eye Care.pptx
Module 8 Quiz

Module 9: Charting and Documentation in Optometry

Writing clear, accurate, and compliant exam notes for optometric care

Understanding Documentation in Optometry
The Purpose of Charting
Basic Documentation Rules
Understanding the SOAP Format
Subjective Section
Objective Section
Assessment Section
Plan Section
Common Documentation Abbreviations
Medication Frequency Abbreviations
Proper Documentation Style
Common Charting Errors
Documenting Tests and Results
Modifiers and Side Designation
Templates and Smart Phrases
Communication Tips for Scribes
Compliance and Legal Reminders
Module 9 Recap
Looking Ahead — Module 10
Module 9 - Charting and Documentation.mp4
Module 9 - Charting and Documentation.pptx
Module 9 Quiz — Charting & Documentation

Module 10: Billing, Coding, and Insurance Basics

A comprehensive guide for optometry scribes on documentation that supports accurate billing and insurance reimbursement

Module Overview
Why Billing Knowledge Matters
Routine Optometry Exam Codes (920 Series)
Medical Eye Exam Codes (992 Series)
CPT Codes for Imaging & Testing
Common Diagnostic Codes (ICD-10)
Proper Documentation for Billing
Example Cases Side-by-Side
Scribe Documentation Tips
Review & Key Takeaways
Next Up: Module 10 Video Lecture
Module 10 - Billing, Coding, and Insurance Basics.mp4
Module 10 - Billing Coding and Insurance Basics.pptx
Module 10 Quiz – Billing & Coding

Module 11 - Charting Walkthroughs

11.1 - Charting Walkthrough for Comprehensive Exam.mp4
11.2 - Charting Walkthrough for Medical Visit.mp4