Practicing ophthalmology is a lot like fixing cars. You listen, observe, calculate the relative possibilities, and proceed with the most likely diagnosis. Of course, if you drop a bolt into the engine, you don’t have to explain to the car’s family why it will never see again. This morning I had the pleasure of introducing the incoming residents to eye trauma, and was reminded of the intensity of those years; the fear of the unknown (and there is a lot of unknown!) obscures the distant promise of a fulfilling career saving sight. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to perform a few tune-ups, the occasional major overhaul, and show the next generation what it looks like to walk alongside our patients for at least part of their journey.