
SPECIALTY CARE OPHTHALMOLOGY
what is an ophthalmologist?
OpticianOpticians are technicians trained to design, verify, and fit eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to correct eyesight. They use prescriptions supplied by ophthalmologists or optometrists, but do not test vision or write prescriptions for visual correction. Opticians are not permitted to diagnose or treat eye diseases.
Ophthalmic Medical AssistantThese technicians work in the ophthalmologist's office and are trained to perform a variety of tests and help the physician with examining and treating patients.
Ophthalmic Technicians/TechnologistsThese are highly trained or experienced medical assistants who assist the physician with more complicated or technical medical tests and minor office surgery.
Ophthalmic Registered NurseThese clinicians have undergone special nursing training and may have additional training in ophthalmic nursing. They may assist the physician in more technical tasks, such as injecting medications or assisting with the hospital or office surgery. Some ophthalmic registered nurses also serve as a clinic or hospital administrators.
EYE CARE FACTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Many vision problems can be prevented or corrected with proper medical care. However, identifying those who are affected by or at risk for these problems can be challenging. In March 2018, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging asked a national sample of adults age 50–80 about their vision and their experiences getting eye care.
Why do I need an eye exam?
Even if your vision seems good, you should still have regular eye examinations because some conditions are asymptomatic (have no symptoms) and affect the eyes very slowly. By the time you notice any changes in your vision, it may be too late to repair the damage. Fortunately, early treatment can stop most of the vision loss caused by the following conditions that are most commonly seen in seniors.
Glaucoma is usually painless and causes no noticeable symptoms. Because there are many, many nerve cells in the back of the eye and they are damaged only a few at a time, it can take years before someone with glaucoma notices any changes in vision. An eye doctor can detect glaucoma much earlier, however.
Because vision loss due to glaucoma is permanent, early detection of the condition is extremely important. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, there are medications that can lower the pressure inside the eye and reduce the chance of further damage. By getting the right treatment early, vision loss from glaucoma can nearly always be prevented. CataractsThe eye contains a lens that focuses light so that we can see. With normal aging, the lens turns cloudy. This is called a cataract. Most cataracts are a normal result of aging, although they can be caused by injury or other medical conditions. The only treatment is to remove the clouded lens with surgery.
Cataract surgery is usually performed with local anesthesia (the patient is awake but does not feel the procedure). The surgeon will make a small opening in the front of the eye so that the cloudy lens can be removed and replaced with a new clear plastic lens.
Almost 2 million people a year in the United States have cataract surgery and receive an intraocular lens. It is the most frequently performed operation in the world, and one of the most successful.
Sometimes, the macula actually begins to break down, and occasionally new blood vessels can grow where they do not belong. This condition of abnormal macula breakdown and/or new blood vessel creation is called age-related macular degeneration. You might have this condition if you notice that:
The ability to see fine details when you are looking directly at an object, no matter how close or far away it is, starts to decline.Your vision changes so that straight lines look wavy or broken.Dark spots, lines, or shadows appear in your field of view.There is no cure for macular degeneration. Several treatments, if started early enough, can slow vision loss and help a person keep a useful vision for many years. Diabetic eye diseaseAs we age, our risk of developing diabetes increases. One of the major effects of diabetes is to make blood vessels "leaky."
The retina has a layer of blood vessels. When diabetes makes these blood vessels leak, fluid can build up in the retina. This can blur vision. Eventually, the blood vessels can break open and bleed, and new blood vessels will grow to take their place. All of this can cause permanent loss of vision.
The best way for someone with diabetes to prevent the loss of vision is to follow the doctor's advice about control of blood sugar, blood pressure, diet, exercise and medication, and to schedule an eye examination at least once a year.
on-site Opthalmology SPECIALTY CARE SERVICES
Dedicated Continuum Healthcare Network staff will coordinate the entire referral process. We offer on-site health concierge which offers full-service care for your patients. We offer customizable care — delivering primary care and specialty services — to your patients on-site.
We simplify healthcare by providing a differentiated experience of quality, preventive care at the right place and time. Our approach integrates patients, data, and care in a meaningful way.
TELEMEDICINE APPOINTMENTS
If you live in a rural area that doesn't have access to the internet, specialty care physicians, limited transportation, and the technology to connect to telemedicine will provide you the necessary equipment to access the healthcare you need.
If you need assistance please feel free to call us at our main line at 240-650-7250.