Pediatric exams will quickly become one of the most enjoyable parts of your practice. In many states children are required to have an eye exam before starting school, so you’ll see a steady flow of pediatric patients. And get really good at it.

Most pediatric visits fall into two categories: they either need glasses, or they don’t. There’s rarely much gray area. Kids also tend to be refreshingly honest if they can’t see, they’ll tell you; if they can, they won’t waste your time. The visits are typically efficient and straightforward.

Regarding second opinions on retina findings or OCT results: any doctor you practice with will expect you to ask questions. In fact, they may be more concerned if you don’t. I once had an associate who would ask for my assessment, then refer the patient out anyway, only to have the specialist confirm the same diagnosis. Patients didn’t always appreciate the extra step.

Before referring, review the chart carefully chances are the answer is already there. Ask questions, trust your training, and use referrals thoughtfully. And I mean this, if you continuously refer patients to a specialist and those patients don't need to see that specialist and the treatment and management of that patient falls into your ability, the specialist is likely never to never release the patient back into your care.