Ocularist

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An ocularist is an eye care professional who specializes in the fabrication and fitting of ocular prostheses for people who have lost an eye or eyes due to trauma or illness. The fabrication process for a custom made eye typically includes taking an impression of the eye socket, shaping a plastic shell, painting the iris and then fitting the ocular prostheses.

In addition to creating the prosthetic eye, the ocularist shows the patient how to care for and handle the prosthesis. The ocularist also provides long-term care for the patient through periodic examinations.

Ocularists may develop their skills from various background disciplines, for example medical, optometry, dental, nursing, biology, medical arts and illustration.

Training and registration in the United States. There is not a specific training program of study to become an "ocularist" at the present time. The person must learn how to make artificial eyes through an apprenticeship with an approved board certified ocularist. To become board certified the ocularist must undergo a 5 year residency or internship of 10,000 hours in practical training. Upon completion of a practical and written examination the ocularist becomes board certified and the Diplomate of the American Society of Ocularists is awarded. To qualify for the Society’s apprenticeship program, the ocularist must train under a Board Approved Diplomate Ocularist (BADO).

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