Clinical and Communication Skills Elicit a relevant history of gradual vision loss Measure visual acuity for distance and near, and record accurately Assess macular function (e.g. use of Amsler grid) Assess visual fields to confrontation Ophthalmoscopy to identify any media opacities (e.g. cataract) and assess fundus Distinguish acute from chronic vision loss; distinguish between retinal causes and other common, slowly advancing, age related causes of vision loss (e.g. cataract, glaucoma) Driving standards for vision, return to work capabilities, occupational standards for vision (monocular and binocular) Patient education: appropriate recommendations, advice regarding risks and appropriate referral for significant vision loss, patient self-monitoring, appropriate use of dietary supplements, cessation of smoking, treatment options
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Population Health Epidemiology of common age-related eye diseases that may profoundly affect vision: age-related macular degeneration, chronic open angle glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy Cost to individual and community of blindness and severe visual impairment Cost to health boards of universal treatment for age-related macular degeneration
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