Each resident will be offered a comprehensive eye examination upon admission to the facility. Thereafter, residents will be provided with comprehensive annual exams and routine intermittent follow-ups. Treatment of emergency cases, as they may occur, will be tended to expeditiously.
During residents’ comprehensive examinations, major systemic diseases that may present with ocular manifestations will be evaluated. Systemic diseases can affect both the outer surface of the eye and the retina. Thus, it is vital that residents with diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypo/hyperthyroidism, and many more be routinely examined. Not only do systemic diseases affect the eyes, but the long-term use of oral steroids, Seroquel (quetiapine), Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), etc., can have ocular side effects and need to be monitored.
When ocular diseases are found, and/or are present, residents will need more than just routine care. Intermittent diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, viral/bacterial/allergic conjunctivitis, etc., will be closely monitored. Often, residents will need to be managed by an interdisciplinary care team to discuss care plans.
Each resident, can choose from a wide array of eyeglasses. Residents will receive their eyeglasses approximately two weeks after they are prescribed. Residents who are prescribed reading eyeglasses may receive them the same day of examination. All residents who are monocular (have one functioning eye) may receive impact-resistant lenses for added protection. Most eyeglass repairs will be performed on site, and if they cannot they will be replacements can be made.
