SPECIALTY CARE OPHTHALMOLOGY
what is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all eye diseases perform eye surgery and prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research on the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision disorders. Because they are medical doctors, ophthalmologists can sometimes recognize other health problems that aren't directly related to the eye and refer those patients to the right medical doctors for treatment.
OptometristOptometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care ranging from vision testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. An optometrist is not a medical doctor. An optometrist receives a doctor of optometry (OD) degree after completing 2 to 4 years of college-level education, followed by four years of optometry school. They are licensed to practice optometry, which primarily involves performing eye exams and vision tests, prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses, detecting certain eye abnormalities, and prescribing medications for certain eye diseases. Many ophthalmologists and optometrists work together in the same offices, as a team. In the United States, what optometrists are licensed to do for patients can vary from state to state.
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.
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 physical changes come with aging, including changes in vision. This is why it is important to have a complete examination by an eye doctor on a regular basis for such conditions as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
Maintaining good vision is an important aspect of overall health. Older adults are at increased risk for age-related eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease. Those with poor vision are also more likely to experience falls, social isolation, and decreased independence.
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.
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?
Many physical changes come with aging, including changes in vision. This is why it is important to have a complete examination by an eye doctor on a regular basis. If you have no symptoms of eye disease, you should have an eye examination about every two to four years, starting at age 40, with gradually increasing frequency. By the time you reach age 65, you should have an eye exam once a year. People with certain risk factors (such as a family history of eye disease or diabetes) should have a comprehensive eye exam every year, regardless of age.
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.
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.
GlaucomaThe eye is often compared to a camera. The front of the eye contains a lens that focuses images on the inside of the back of the eye. This area inside the eye is covered with special nerve cells. Some of these cells "react to light," while others "carry the picture" to the brain. When too much pressure builds up in the eye, it damages the cells that carry the picture. This is called glaucoma.
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.
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.
Macular degenerationThe nerve cells in the back of the eye (the retina) are very close together in the area where the eye focuses the images that we see. This part of the retina is called the macula. As people age, the macula tends to change in ways that cause a gradual loss of sharp vision.
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.
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
Continuum Healthcare Network offers a variety of medical specialties and works with trusted, preferred specialists for our patients' care. These preferred specialists, both on-site and in the community, work side-by-side with our primary care physicians to care for each patient individually. For patients requiring off-site care from a trusted specialist.
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.
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
Continuum Healthcare Network is happy to offer telemedicine appointments so you can visit with our medical team and specialty care physicians from the privacy and comfort of home or community. You can now receive one-on-one customized care, treatment plans, and custom medications shipped to your home from your computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
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.
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.
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Continuum Healthcare Network Healthcare Resources and Telemedicine Services
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