Dry Eye Foundation launches patient help line
SAN DIEGO — The Dry Eye Foundation announced the launch of the international Dry Eye Helpline, a support system for people struggling with ocular surface disease.
Foundation executive director and founder Rebecca Petris said at a virtual press conference during Academy 2022, “We believe that ocular surface pain patients who have the support they need to manage their disease on a day-to-day basis will be able to work more effectively with their health care providers.”
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The Dry Eye Helpline provides one-on-one, remote expert peer counseling to those dealing with the challenges of the medical, functional, practical, emotional or financial needs associated with ocular surface disease and pain, according to a foundation press release.
“We offer support, resources and guidance,” Petris said during the academy-sponsored press conference. “We have Zoom groups, dry eye buddies, communication strategies. We help them figure out how to describe their symptoms and disease to doctors and work. We help them prepare for doctor appointments. We help them financially.”
The long-term vision for the Dry Eye Helpline is to establish sustainable peer mentoring, according to the press release.
“When you become a Dry Eye Helpline client it starts with an intake call,” Petris said. “Clients in real crisis might have a weekly or biweekly call until they’re coping better. One of the most exciting aspects is that clients become peer mentors themselves.”
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is funded by donations and membership fees, she said. Non-health care providers offer the free help line services.
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