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Modify your exam techniques, listen to the specific needs of seniors
The trend is evident everywhere. Whether you’re on a golf course, in a restaurant or at a place of worship, the demographics are perfectly clear. We are a maturing society. And the numbers corroborate it. In fact, it’s estimated that within the next 25 years almost 25% of the U.S. population will be older than 65.
ODs providing more care for seniors
As optometrists we witness this trend; with each passing year an increasing number of our appointments are occupied by senior citizens. However, optometry has not always had the pleasure of providing care for our senior citizens. For generations optometry was primarily involved in the refractive care of young, relatively healthy patients. At the first sign of pathology, the patient was referred and often never seen again.
Fortunately, all of that has changed, largely due to three prevailing trends: education with an expanded scope of practice, Medicare parity and the aforementioned demographics. Indeed, our education now affords us the ability to better diagnose and manage a wide variety of age-related ocular conditions, thereby significantly reducing unnecessary referrals.
With Medicare parity, long-established patients are able to confidently remain within the familiar environs of our practices. And the sheer number of seniors dictate that our ophthalmologic colleagues devote more time to surgery as we provide postoperative and ongoing care for these patients.
Indeed, it comes as no surprise that virtually every optometric practice finds itself taking care of more senior citizens. It is also precisely why there is no better time to reflect upon the significance of what we do. Sure, we anticipate more cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration in this segment of our practice. Yes, we’re cognizant of the impact that systemic ailments have on patients’ vision. And, of course, we know that the refraction might take a little longer than usual. But in the midst of a busy clinic day, it’s all too easy to lose sight of something far more important to our seniors. Their desire to be recognized and heard.
Above all, we must recognize that age is relative and that many seniors are vibrant individuals seeking treatment options consistent with an active lifestyle. To this end, we should not merely provide sustenance, but rather find solutions through a full range of services.
Address seniors’ specific needs
On the other hand, it’s also imperative we recognize that seniors do have specific needs. Indeed, occasionally we must modify our examination techniques as well as our treatment plans to optimize compliance and success.
Finally, it’s essential that we listen … as it’s far too easy to blame declining visual performance on the aging process. Easy, but not always correct. For many seniors, an attentive ear and a few recommendations can have a noteworthy effect on their visual well being.
To better understand the intricacies and subtleties of caring for senior citizens, we are pleased to welcome the contributions of Alfred Rosenbloom Jr., MA, OD, DOS. An esteemed colleague and worldwide authority on optometric care for seniors, Dr. Rosenbloom will be authoring and editing a series of articles for Primary Care Optometry News. I am confident you’ll find his columns enjoyable and informative.