Perimeters are used to examine a patient’s peripheral (side) vision. The patient stares at the center of the bowl and indicates when they can see a flash of light or some other stimulus entering their field of vision. Also known as “visual field testing,” using a perimeter can help a provider identify early changes in vision, particularly nerve damage caused by glaucoma.
The slit lamp is a key test in identifying glaucoma, cataracts, corneal infections, and allergies of the eye. The patient stares straight ahead while the provider adjusts the brightness and thickness of the light to examine different layers and parts of the eye. Typically, the patient’s eyes are dilated prior to the test to allow the provider to examine the retina and optic nerve.
Carrie Meyer: How did you come to be in the College of Medicine? How did you get admission?
Stanley Truhlsen: How did I get in? Finagling. I got my application in late and they told me that, “Sorry, we've closed it up.” They didn't have a committee for admissions. Dr. Poynter, the dean, was the one and only member of the admissions committee. And so I had taken pre-med. I was prepared for going to medical school. All of a sudden I couldn't get into medical school. I talked to a doctor in town and he said, “Do you or your father know a Dr. Morris Nielsen in Blair, Nebraska?” And I said, “Yes. My dad goes to him as a—he’s his physician.” He said, “Talk to him.” So Dad and I went and talked to Dr. Morris Nielsen. He talked to us for a few minutes and Dad was one of his patients. Explained to him that the class was closed and we couldn't get into medical school. He reached over and picked up his phone and, “Charlie, how you doing?” They talked about children. They talked about vacation and finally he said, “I got a kid up here I want to get in medical school.” “Okay.” He said, “Be there at nine o'clock Monday morning.” So that's how I got in medical school.
This portable case consists of an ophthalmoscope (used to inspect the eye), otoscope (used to examine structures of the ear), extra batteries, disposable specula, and instructions.
