OE Patients

Tag: ophthalmologist

  • A New Doctor, A New Course

    A New Doctor, A New Course

    As a member of Humana for many years, I have had to change my retina specialists several times.  I was very happy with the doctor I had for the past year and was surprised when I got a call, from my eye care center, informing me that I would now be cared for by a different retina specialist.  The woman on the phone said his name was Dr. Michael Tolentino, and that he had an excellent background and credentials.  Not taking her word for it, I Googled him.  I learned that indeed this was true, having been associated with the Schepens Eye Institute in Boston that I frequented in the 1980s.  So, I made my first appointment.

    He was very friendly and warm, and surprisingly, not Italian as his name would imply, but from the Philippines.  He told us that his father was a renowned ophthalmologist, associated with Schepens. He, himself had worked in the Schepens lab when he was 14 years old.  I learned that we both knew and respected many doctors that had trained there.

    Upon perusing my records and pictures, he said that he didn’t agree with my previous retina specialist’s decision to skip the eye injection at my last visit.  He showed me the pictures: “See that white part in both eyes, we have to get rid of that, and I’ll give you the shots until we can get your vision better.”  I was amazed to hear a doctor so aggressive.

    My next question to him was: “I have cataracts in both eyes, none of my previous doctors would allow me to have them removed. They said that the risk isn’t worth the reward, which would be minimal.’’  His response was: ‘’What risk? After a couple of shots, you’ll get both removed.”

    I remembered an article on cataracts from Lighthouse International a few years ago, stating that 20% of AMD patients had better visual acuity after cataract surgery.  I also wanted to be one of those 20%.

    Well, I put my faith and my eyes in the hands of Dr. Michael Tolentino and received my first 2 injections of Avastin, done very carefully and expertly.  I’ll keep my readers posted on the results.

    To learn more about cataract surgery and AMD from the American Academy of Ophthalmology…click here. 

     

  • Accessibility Matters In The Ophthalmologist’s Office

    Accessibility Matters In The Ophthalmologist’s Office

    A visit to any doctor’s office can include some degree of difficulty for people with uncorrectable vision loss.  The same challenges can even exist in the office of the ophthalmologist.  Good patient care is not just measured by the exam and treatment, it is also measured by the patient experience.

    Follow these guidelines to establish policies and procedures that help create an accessible office environment that is better for everyone.

     

    Make Sure Signage is Easy to Read

    Signs throughout the office should be in large print, using legible, highly contrasted easy to read font styles.  Never use print on a patterned background, or gold letters on a beige wall.  Positioning signs close to eye level makes them easier for everyone to see. 

     

    Utilize Color Contrast

    Use contrast in the office design.  Paint doors or frames a color that stands out from walls.  Use dark seating against a light carpet color.  Steps should always have contrasted edges and handrails. Avoid glass doors and walls entirely, they are hazardous to people with low vision and also those with dilated eyes. 

     

    Use Good Verbal Communication

    Always address patients directly by name, as they may not be able to see that you are speaking to them, or make eye contact.  When you greet a patient, identify yourself by name, don’t assume they will recognize you or know your voice.  Generally, it is not necessary to speak loudly to people with vision loss, unless you know their hearing is also impaired.

    Ask the patient if they need your assistance.  Don’t make assumptions about their abilities or their needs.

    Don’t point or say, “over there,” when giving directions.  Orient to the person’s direction by saying, “Walk to the end of this hall and turn left, the exit is the first door on your right.”

     

    Provide Accessible Information 

    Obviously, it is incorrect to assume all patients are able to complete paper forms.  If your office is still using clipboards to collect information, there should be alternatives offered.  Better options for everyone include online forms or having a staff member directly input all necessary information, provided by phone, pre-appointment.

    Make sure written communications are accessible.  Any printed or digital information given to patients should use text at least 18 pt., or larger and bolder when possible.  Always use a clean, easy reading, sans-serif font style like: Arial, Helvetica, or Verdana.  Be sure the content on copied documents is clearly legible.

    For many patients, particularly those who cannot easily read print, digital documents are the best alternative, as they can be adjusted to the reading preference of each individual.

    Remember, small changes can make a big difference in the way patients feel when they visit your office.