[optimal] Re: pathway for Ophthalmic Photography

  • From: "Peterson John C" <JPeterson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: <optimal@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:44:21 -0500

Self-taught photographer trying to make my way as a freelance in my
wife's native Switzerland (mid-1990's). Teaching basic photography and
black-and-white darkroom classes at night. Had a seasoned ophthalmic
photographer as a student; she was brushing up her darkroom skills. We
chatted about her profession...it sounded deep, dark, and mysterious.
Over a year later an ad appeared in the paper for an entry level OP at
the University of Basel Eye Clinic....long story short: the same woman
who was my student became my mentor in OP. They were looking for strong
general photography skills, were willing to train the ophthalmology. It
turned out to be a good match. Thanks to Therese DeMel and Phillip
Hendrickson, PhD for their faith in me and abundant patience!

PS: Blame Mike Neider for schlepping me to Madison.

******** 
John C. Peterson, BS, CRA 
Director of Ophthalmic Photography Services 
UW Health Eye Clinic 
2880 University Ave., Rm. 246 
Madison, WI 53705 
(608) 263-7163 

 

________________________________

From: optimal-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:optimal-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Alexis Smith
Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2011 2:24 PM
To: optimal@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optimal] Re: pathway for Ophthalmic Photography


I LOVE all the origin stories : )  I always find it interesting how
people get into this field and where it has taken them.
I was a wedding/portrait/event photographer (self-taught, I had to
nickel and dime my way to my first camera) and applied to a job opening
at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.
Luckily, they were willing to train and Mark Croswell was willing to
give me a shot!
4 years later I applied to an opening under Richard Hackel at University
of Michigan.
I'm lucky to have experience working underneath great photographers!

Anyone else? : )

Alexis


On Tue, Jul 12, 2011 at 6:50 AM, Beth Koch <bethkoch@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:


        

        My lead in was a strong background in general ophthalmology  and
once entering the field of retina/vitreous I worked my way learning
different imaging modalities and was trained by one of our photographers
who has been imaging for years and have learned more by shooting for
different docs.  One of the Drs who came through the practice was an
amazing teacher and made me learn by analyzing and interpreting my own
FAs to him and he would educate me on what I saw, an amazing teacher!!!
When I am done with my JCAHPO certs I will be working on my OPS certs.
I have been shooting for about 6yrs

         

         

        Beth Koch COT, ROUB

        Retina Consultants of WNY

        bethkoch@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

        bkoch@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:bkoch@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> 

        (716)908-4105 <tel:%28716%29908-4105> 

         

        What we have done for ourselves, alone dies with us,

        What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal....

                                 ~Albert Pike

        
________________________________


        From: optimal-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:optimal-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of robert santora
        Sent: Monday, July 11, 2011 11:06 PM
        To: optimal@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
        Subject: [optimal] Re: pathway for Ophthalmic Photography

         

        Alex 
        I am in complete understanding on your response to Sarah's
question when this thread started.  I am not certain, but the person
that contacted Sarah, first contacted me for guidance into the field. He
is a fashion photographer in NYC that had gone to an Optometry
convention(Vision Expo) in NYC. I could only direct  him with my own
back round. So hoping to start the thread you mentioned, here is my
entry story. 
         I received my BS from University of Texas Southwestern Medical
School in Biomedical communications. The program had two tracks.
Biomedical Illustrators/Photo-Cine Photography. The program combined the
first year freshmen medical courses with the Communications department.
The Illustrators and photographers had hands on working experience and
classes in their respective disciplines. I spent most of my time on the
Oxberry animation stand and in surgery with Mr. Bolex and a pocket full
of diopters with Mr. Nikon. After graduation my medical portfolio got me
my first Ophthalmic technician job. The rest was training on the job and
a 6 month course at University of Medicine& Dentistry in Newark NJ. The
fact is not one us said as a child, I wanted to be an Ophthalmic
Photographer when we grew up! We were helped along by some one.

        On Mon, Jul 11, 2011 at 12:57 PM, Hamm, Chuck W.
<HammC@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

        Alexis here is my "field entry" 

        USAF 1971-1975 Ophthalmic Surgical Technician covered every
aspect from appointment scheduling to technician to photographer to OR
scrub tech. I consider this a well rounded experience but found the
niche of photographer to be the most rewarding.

         

        Alexis said....

        There is no "known" pathway for Ophthalmic Photography except
for a degree from RIT or a lot of luck and hard work.  
        Speaking of, It would be fun to all compare our entries into the
field . . .  
        Sincerely,
        Alexis

         

         


Other related posts: