[Experiences of a psychiatrist in cooperation with ophthalmologists]

Abstract

This paper reports on cooperation between ophthalmologists and psychiatrists as seen from the latter's standpoint, primarily with regard to psychosomatic medicine and work in Balint groups. Ophthalmological experience both in a general Balint group and in a special Balint group mainly for ophthalmologists is described. The "general" part is mainly devoted to a discussion of everyday language associated with eyes and sight, since everyday language usually gives clues to psychophysical relationships. The main advantage of participating in Balint groups is that the practitioner learns to integrate himself, as a diagnostic instrument, with regard to his feelings and experiences. This results in a new relationship between patient and practitioner which could be defined as "relationship diagnostics" and "relationship therapy".