How optometrists and ophthalmologists can help each other in a group practice
By Amy Watts, OD and Cara Morris, OD, FAAO
When we first started working in a large group practice with many ophthalmologists and optometrists, we were excited to have the expertise of cornea, retina, and glaucoma specialists in such close proximity. We were eager to see complicated patients that we could discuss with our colleagues over lunch and knew we would learn a great deal. As an optometrist, it is an enormous benefit to have these specialists in the same practice, so that patients are not lost to follow up and so that we can be a part of the diagnosis and treatment plan. So, with all the benefits we have reaped from the ophthalmologists in our practice, we were very happy when we realized that we could offer something in return. So, as optometrists, what can we do to help the ophthalmologists?
1. Contact Lens fittings: Most ophthalmologists do not have training in contact lenses like optometrists. In school, we are taught about soft spherical contact lenses, soft toric lenses, and rigid gas permeable lenses. An important group of patients that benefit a great deal from specialty contact lenses are your keratoconic and post-RK patients. Though not all optometrists fit these patients, it is important to find an optometrist in your area that does. Those referrals will just lead to more referrals back to you. We are also taught to be proficient at insertion and removal of contact lenses for cases that need a bandage contact lens. So send us your patients who need contact lenses whether for refractive or health reasons!
2. Refractions: Again, we are taught how to refract in school ad nauseam. Most of us have an extensive understanding of retinoscopy and prisms (although we may not like to admit it). So if you have a first time glasses wearer with high cylinder, a high hyperope or myope, or just need a glasses check, then send them our way.
3. The stable glaucoma patient: Some optometrists are also trained extensively to treat glaucoma, although many of us feel uneasy monitoring the patient whose IOP will not stabilize or visual fields continue to decline. However, for the patients who are stable, we can monitor them and lighten your schedule to see more patients who need your expertise.
4. The stable diabetic patient: One of our retina specialists just asked me recently if I was comfortable seeing stable diabetic patients. Of course. The patient with diabetes who has not had retinopathy or has only borderline diabetic retinopathy can easily be monitored by an optometrist and returned to you should the retinopathy become worse.
5. The pseudophakic patient: What to do with those patients who you have done cataract surgery on already and no longer need your services? Send them to us for routine eye exams and you can make room in your schedule for prospective patients who may still need surgery.
6. The post refractive surgery patient: After LASIK or PRK, a patient can see us for their annual exams. These patients usually just need a retinal evaluation every year and at some point a prescription for readers. We can see these patients and you can see more refractive surgery candidates.
1. Contact Lens fittings: Most ophthalmologists do not have training in contact lenses like optometrists. In school, we are taught about soft spherical contact lenses, soft toric lenses, and rigid gas permeable lenses. An important group of patients that benefit a great deal from specialty contact lenses are your keratoconic and post-RK patients. Though not all optometrists fit these patients, it is important to find an optometrist in your area that does. Those referrals will just lead to more referrals back to you. We are also taught to be proficient at insertion and removal of contact lenses for cases that need a bandage contact lens. So send us your patients who need contact lenses whether for refractive or health reasons!
2. Refractions: Again, we are taught how to refract in school ad nauseam. Most of us have an extensive understanding of retinoscopy and prisms (although we may not like to admit it). So if you have a first time glasses wearer with high cylinder, a high hyperope or myope, or just need a glasses check, then send them our way.
3. The stable glaucoma patient: Some optometrists are also trained extensively to treat glaucoma, although many of us feel uneasy monitoring the patient whose IOP will not stabilize or visual fields continue to decline. However, for the patients who are stable, we can monitor them and lighten your schedule to see more patients who need your expertise.
4. The stable diabetic patient: One of our retina specialists just asked me recently if I was comfortable seeing stable diabetic patients. Of course. The patient with diabetes who has not had retinopathy or has only borderline diabetic retinopathy can easily be monitored by an optometrist and returned to you should the retinopathy become worse.
5. The pseudophakic patient: What to do with those patients who you have done cataract surgery on already and no longer need your services? Send them to us for routine eye exams and you can make room in your schedule for prospective patients who may still need surgery.
6. The post refractive surgery patient: After LASIK or PRK, a patient can see us for their annual exams. These patients usually just need a retinal evaluation every year and at some point a prescription for readers. We can see these patients and you can see more refractive surgery candidates.
posted by MedRounds Publications at 10:53 PM
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