1. Help the patient fill out form to assess any risk factors he/she may have, including ethnicity, age, family history, or prior diagnosis of hypertension and glaucoma. IMPORTANT: Make sure the patient signs and dates the bottom of the form!2. Use the near card to determine the patient's visual acuity in each eye. Have the patient cover one eye with their hand while holding the near card in the other at a comfortable distance. If the patient wears glasses/contacts, they must leave them on during the acuity exam!-also remember to document this in the form in the appropriate space (CC ~ with glasses; SC ~ forgot glasses)
3. Direct the patient to the FDT machine to assess the peripheral vision. Patients will need to be instructed how to use the machines
4. Based on the patient's performance on the FDT machine AND his/her risk factors, measure the pressures in each eye using the tonopen. This requires using numbing drops to numb the cornea. This is usually done with the help of one of the residents. This also requires a consent form.
6. Explain results of the tests, refer to the ophthalmology group for follow-up, educate the patient on the contribution of their risk factors, and discuss prevention.
7. Have fun!
* Note: This screening protocol does not replace the required dilated-pupil fundus exam, performed by the patient's physician.
Questions or Comments? Please email WebMaster
Written: 04/28/02; Updated: 04/28/02 v.1.1