Updated AOA manual on optometric care of nursing home residents released

AOA released its updated manual, Optometric Care of Nursing Home Residents, to provide doctors of optometry an understanding of the diagnostic and management elements needed for evaluation and care of this growing segment of the patient population.

The health care industry, as a whole, faces a significant challenge in caring for an increasing number of elderly patients, and optometry is no exception. As more elderly enter nursing homes, the free manual offers members a leg-up in navigating this tightly regulated area of need. The comprehensive, 57-page tool covers a range of topics and goals for doctors of optometry to consider when treating this area of specialized care, including:

•    A general overview of nursing home facilities, such as types of services, staff and statistics;
•    Benefits to joining the professional care team;
•    Access to residents, including reimbursements, regulations, and coding and billing;
•    The role of optometric care in the nursing home setting;
•    The optometric consultant's clinical responsibilities;
•    General ethical considerations;
•    Basic instruments and equipment for nursing home practice; and,
•    Resident evaluations and examinations, records and forms.

Read more about this growing demographic and meeting their eye health needs.

For information on California laws governing the practice of optometry in a nursing home facility, click here.

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