Education Objectives - Ophthalmic Path

Know how to identify, orient, and systematically examine enucleation specimens, with emphasis on selecting appropriate plane of section for neoplastic, traumatic/forensic, and phthisical eyes.

Know the importance of clinician-pathologist and pathologist-histotechnician communication, particularly with regard to achieving proper orientation of corneal and conjunctival biopsies.

Knows normal appearance of ocular structures submitted to pathology.

Know how to distinguish common pathologic responses in the eye that disrupt visual function from incidental age-related changes.

Know how to identify diagnostic features of Fuchs’ dystrophy and keratoconus.

Knows how to discuss endothelial, inflammatory, and pressure-related causes of bullous keratopathy.

Knows how to differentiate artifactual from true retinal detachment.

Know natural history of ocular vs. conjunctival melanomas.

Know how to evaluate and report pigmented lesions of the eye with an understanding of the pertinent prognostic issues.

Know the most pertinent margin to examine in retinoblastoma enucleations, and be able to list common clinical mimics

Know how to recognize pathologic sequelae of diabetes, end-stage glaucoma, and penetrating/perforating trauma.

Knows how to list the characteristic anterior segment, posterior segment, and optic nerve lesions associated with child/infant abuse, and to discuss non-traumatic medical conditions (if any) that can lead to similar findings.