My Passion For Ophthalmic Research

When challenged as to why I would want to pursue a career in medicine, my response includes an acknowledgement of the realities of an intensely stressful and academically rigorous profession, but also a recognition of the rewards that come with having the ability to make a real difference to peoples’ lives. We depend on medicine in our weakest times and seek strength in those who dedicate themselves to research, prevention and treatment and I believe I have both the compassion and motivation to make a positive contribution.

My initial passion for science is where my ambition began but immediately after beginning practical experience, I became inundated with intrigue for medicine. The prospect of a career that will push my learning capabilities to the limit while keeping up with the endless advances that often forefronts modern medicine in the news, fascinates me. From the respected staff to the thankful patients, the versatility and reward of medicine as a subject has become the reason that compels me to pursue this vocational course where the aim is primarily to help those in need.

Complaining of an excruciating stomach ache, a 4 year- old Hispanic female, my younger sister, was my first case. It was second nature to treat her symptoms. I prescribed two Oreos and a glass of milk and within seconds she was miraculously cured. Smiling from cheek to cheek with her black teeth, the case was a success. This diagnosis occurred ten years ago. Since then my motivation for pursuing medicine has evolved from the simple desire to wear a snazzy lab coat and stethoscope, to my passion for science--especially biology. It is what drives me to become a licensed physician.

The human eye is arguably one of the greatest innovations in nature. The eye is used to visibly see objects and their surroundings. Human eyes are tuned to see the visible spectrum of light. This is in the wavelength ranges of 38010-9 meters to 75010-9 meters (Young 1054). But, as with anything, the eye is prone to defects and problems. An understanding behind the structure of the eye helps to understand the most common defect with eyes, myopia and hyperopia. Luckily both of these defects are able to be corrected with the use of corrective lenses.

To further my understanding of health, as my chosen field of study I had gained experience at an opticians, allowing me to strengthen my empathetic and patience skills in cases where patients are under distress and solidify my longing determination to study in health.

Understanding and diligently pursing one’s vocation, I believe, is the most momentous episode in a person’s life. My quest for a medical career stems largely from my unequivocal commitment to a life of continuous learning and selfless service. Equally as important, however, is the indispensable contribution I am bound to provide to the dynamic and evolving medical field by reason of my unique background, experiences, and aspirations.

Hence, this can be achieved by occluding the better eye and forcing the use of the amblyopic eye to avoid further. (2,4)

Before contact lenses finally became popular in the 50’s, eyeglasses had been the only practical way to correct refraction vision errors. Now however, there are several modern ways when it comes to correcting vision problems including corrective eye surgery. Corrective eye surgery ranges from laser reshaping of the eye surface known as LASIK and PRK to a surgically inserted artificial lens that corrects the eyesight. Within LASIK and other such similar procedures, laser energy reshapes the curvature of the eye’s clear front surface known as the cornea and alters the way that light rays will enter your eye. This isn’t too different from artificial lenses, which once surgically inserted into the eye, can

Born into a family of engineers and accountants, a career in medicine did not immediately strike me as the obvious choice until high school. Being a recreational gymnast for most of my life, I have always been fascinated with human anatomy. However, I discovered my interest in science after taking an advanced biology class with a dissection component which made me awestruck, appreciate the anatomy and made me want to study the physiology of the body at the molecular scale. Dissections demanded a precision which enticed the artist in me. While still in high school in India, I discovered that I exceptionally enjoyed being with people and making them feel better in any capacity whether it was volunteering with blood drives or a school for deaf and speech impaired children. It struck me that there was a vast need for people to be in every corner of the earth helped whether they were ill, homeless, or depressed and lonely.

I looked into the physics of the eye itself and into corrective lenses because I wear glasses. The human eye is a very complex piece of anatomy. Like a camera, the eye is able to refract light and produce an image that can enable someone to see.

Growing up, I always felt a shiver go up my spine whenever I had to visit my doctor. Oddly enough, I still preferred doctors to dentists so in that regard I was not completely baffled when I first decided I wanted to become a physician. As an undergraduate, I found myself constantly switching between careers until finally coming down to two choices: scientist or veterinarian. However, the idea of being stuck in a lab with little interaction with the world or being unable to communicate with my patients never agreed with me. I wanted to enter a profession that allowed me to work with others on an interpersonal level and apply my knowledge of science, culture, and social relationships in order to enhance the lives of those around me. Unable of coming to a decision, I continued pursuing my love for science never once believing my fascination with science and medicine would lead me along this path. The catalysts for this change in my life’s trajectory were the events of the 2011 Arab Spring and the countless hours spent collecting and packing pages of listed medical supplies, medications, and equipment that were needed. What I discovered through my months of involvement was a love for helping others in need and a profession that allowed me to do so while actively engaging my mind and body to act in the aid of others.

Myopia is the most common eyesight problem which affects about one in five people worldwide. Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error which makes it difficult for people to see objects that are far away. The different kinds of myopia, each based on its own symptoms and severity. All of these myopia share similar symptoms such as blurry vision, headaches and eye strain. The most common is classified as simple or mild myopia. High myopia is a severe form of myopia which affects about 2% of the population. An eye with high myopia continues to grow and become large which increases the risk of retinal detachment. On normal eyes, the light rays will focus directly on the surface of the retina. Another form of severe and rare myopia is degenerative myopia, which begins in early childhood and increases the risk of degenerative changes. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or when the cornea is too curved for the length of the eyeball which causes the light rays to focus in front of the retina. This renders a person’s vision to be limited to under 6 meters. Not being able to see objects that are further than 6 meters creates problems for humans when performing daily tasks. To combat this issue, most people use a form of vision correction such as glasses or contact lenses while others get surgery. The curved lenses of eyeglasses and contact lenses helps refocus the light rays onto the retina. Refractive surgeries correct myopia by changing the shape of the

As I became older, I started to understand that medicine embodies many roles that I wish to fulfill: scientist, artist, and communicator.

There was no specific moment that helped me realize medicine was my passion. Throughout my life, I have witnessed the true meaning of service and the positive role that medicine plays in the lives of others. My mother was my original inspiration for service, yet both of my parents inspired me through the models of sacrifice and kindness they demonstrated over the years. Their dedication to others, proven in both work and family, are unequalled. My parents gave me the opportunity to see a selfless way of life and the joy that can be found in caring for others. Their values nurtured a passion inside of me, one that has manifested in the world of healthcare, a world that I feel as if I belong to like no other.

My passion for medicine abruptly occurred after the diagnosis of scoliosis, spinal fusion surgery, and multiple binge-sessions of Grey’s Anatomy. My character is strongly represented by my drive to force a smile on to other people and to empathize with others. Anesthesiology appeals the most to me due to the heroic men and women in my surgery room maintaining a calm and painless process into my eight-hour sleep. Katy Perry and goofy doctors gave the reassurance that everything will be okay. Aside to my serious goals, I enjoy fantasizing about living a luscious life with paparazzi following my every move. I also find writing my own novel about my two friends and I very fascinating. The odds of accomplishing either one of those dreams is slim to none, but I do enjoy spacing out when life is hectic.