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ODs can help counsel visually impaired patients regarding driving cessation
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Optometrists play an important role in talking to their patients with vision impairment regarding driving cessation and should involve the patient’s family when appropriate, according to a poster presented at the American Academy of Optometry meeting in New Orleans.
Sharon A. Bentley, MOptom, PhD, MPH, FACO, FAAO, and fellow researchers screened more than 10,000 patients at a public optometry clinic and interviewed 27 patients who had ceased driving in the past 5 years.
The majority of patients (82%) ceased driving because of their vision loss. Loss of confidence (36%) was the next reason for driving cessation among the group, according to researchers. In almost one-third of cases a health care worker or family member helped to advise a patient.
Most patients did not feel positive about not being able to drive but were able to see some positives: less worry about injuring someone, lower cost, less stress and increased perceived fitness due to walking and public transportation, the researchers said.
“Optometrists should assist patients to consider alternative modes of transport, including family and friends and emphasize the positives of driving cessation, including less worry, less expense and getting fitter,” Bentley told Primary Care Optometry News. – by Abigail Sutton
Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.