Meet Kristine: Seeing healthcare through patients’ eyes
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Kristine D, Ophthalmic Photographer
Misericordia Health Centre, Eye Clinic
As an ophthalmic photographer, Kristine assists ophthalmologists by performing scans and taking photos of this very complex structure to help diagnose issues including age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
“I feel as though most people have never heard of an ‘ophthalmic photographer’ until they find themselves in need of an ophthalmologist. We assist the physician by taking diagnostic scans that help to diagnose and monitor conditions like AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and more. These images help the ophthalmologist make informed decisions on a treatment plan that best suits the patient’s condition.”
A typical workday for an ophthalmic photographer is very busy, and includes conducting a variety of tests. Kristine might start her morning off conducting fluorescein angiograms to provide a view of the retinal blood vessels and help identify signs of leakage, blockages, or other abnormalities. She may then move on to visual acuity testing, ultrasounds, and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), all of which contribute to an ophthalmologist’s assessment of the patient’s eye health.
“The OCT is a very powerful tool, showing high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina, and helping assess for changes in the macula that could show early signs of AMD.”
Kristine has spent 12 years in healthcare – eight in her current role – and enjoys that her profession is hands-on, leverages technology, and provides regular opportunities to learn something new.
“Healthcare is always changing and evolving, sometimes in the form of a new machine or new treatment for patients. I feel working in ANY specialized field is rewarding because you’re directly supporting the physician and patient. Our goal is to add to assessment and treatment plans, and to have a positive impact on a patient’s quality of life.”
As Manitoba’s allied health professionals approach 11 months working under an expired contract, Kristine says she would deeply appreciate more support for health-care workers, and additional system resources and investment from our government.
“We all know Manitoba’s health-care system is facing a lot of challenges right now. I feel standing by health-care workers is critical. We are the backbone of the system, no matter the role or title.”
Quick quotes.
The Misericordia Eye Clinic is a very fast-paced environment with high patient volumes, which can make the day go by fast.
Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym, staying active, reading (my favorite author at the moment is Lisa Unger), and watching movies. Traveling to warmer weather when it’s cold in Winnipeg is always a good idea, too!
I started out in healthcare as a unit clerk at St. Boniface Hospital ICU, later moving to Misericordia Health Centre. This position gave me perspective on the inner workings of healthcare and the different roles that make up the entire team.
When I moved to the eye clinic, I met ophthalmologist Dr. Mathen who thought I would be a good fit for Ophthalmic Photography. I always knew I found it interesting, so with his guidance and the support of fellow photographers, I pursued my career. I took the Ophthalmic Assistant Program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.
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