USE STRONG LIGHTING TO FACILITATE SENIOR ACCESSIBILITY

 

Dr. Kevin Henne notes that seniors often have cataracts and other ocular pathology that reduces acuity and contrast sensitivity. Additionally, he points to research that shows lighting that enhances the direct detection of stimuli could be a practical and effective intervention to reduce the risk of falls. – “Make Your Practice Senior Friendly."

 

MONITOR AMD PATIENTS CLOSELY

 

To keep tabs on conversion to wet AMD, Dr. Amanda S. Legge urges closely monitoring (e.g., three to six months, depending on current macular status and individual rate of progression over time) those patients who have progressing size and number of drusen, serially delayed dark adaptation, a strong family history of AMD and genetic predisposition for wet AMD, and who develop retinal pigment epithelial changes. – “Care for the Dry AMD Patient.” 

 

KEEP FUNCTIONAL TASKS IN MIND WHEN TREATING PATIENTS WHO HAVE LOW VISION

 

Dr. Richard J. Shuldiner explains that low vision care is about helping patients accomplish functional tasks that are important to them. These tasks most frequently include reading, writing, recognizing faces, and driving. – “What’s Available for Patients Who Have Vision Loss?” 

 

PROVIDE TRIAGE TRAINING TO STAFF

 

Drs. Sarah Mahmoud and Walter Whitley say staff should be given a general lesson on the key ocular structures of the eye; be taught to clearly record the visual complaints of patients, including onset of symptoms and ocular history; and to ask patients about when, where, and how their vision changed and whether it involves one eye or both to determine whether the patient needs to be seen emergently. – “Teach Ocular Emergency Triage to Your Staff."

 

DISCUSS POSSIBLE TREATMENT SIDE EFFECTS

 

Dr. Danica Marrelli shares that by being upfront with patients about potential side effects of their anti-glaucoma medication, clinicians can help decrease the chances that patients cease taking their drop without first speaking to the doctor about other options. – “Use Clear Communication for Patient Adherence to Glaucoma Treatment"