[Theoretical occupational studies in ambulatory care at a university eye clinic]

In the present publication we report our attempts to analyze the diagnostic actions of an ophthalmologist working in the out-patient department of a major eye clinic according to the theories that have been established in applied medicine in other fields. To the best of our knowledge such a study has never been undertaken before. Using our experience from work in the field of applied general medicine it was possible to analyze both the diagnostic approach taken and the average time spent per patient that enabled the doctor to start specific treatment of the presenting symptoms. We observed that the consultation time per patient was comparatively short and that a precise diagnosis, as previously defined by us, is only rarely established. In most of the cases treatment was initiated with a "presumptive diagnosis" and the patient was subsequently followed up as long as necessary. There is no doubt as to the importance of further studies in this field for future application in general ophthalmology.