The population in the U.S. is aging and will continue to grow in the coming years. The elderly currently represent 12.8% of the U.S. population and this number is expected to double by 2030. More resources need to be allocated to care for this group, particularly those in the eldest population (>85 years old), who may be of limited mobility. This has become a public health concern that must be addressed. Medicine has recognized this and has introduced geriatric residencies to train doctors to provide more effective care. Hospitals have also started home care programs and other specialties need to follow. The Home Eye Service (HES) is a mobile eye unit which provides comprehensive eye care to the homeless and the elderly, especially the homebound. Its purpose is to serve the community and to provide access to eye care that may otherwise be unavailable. In providing care over the last 15 years, HES has been a valuable training ground for optometry students in this emerging modality of care. If optometry students are not educated or introduced to these modalities of practice, the elderly population may suffer because there will not be adequately trained people to serve their needs.
Learning Objectives: 1. To recognize the existence and need for home care optometry. 2. To stimulate discussion of the development of home care optometry in other parts of the country
Keywords: Home Care, Vision Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.