[Evaluation of ophthalmological follow-up of patients over 65 years old in primary care]

Geriatr Psychol Neuropsychiatr Vieil. 2023 Dec 1;21(4):419-426. doi: 10.1684/pnv.2023.1115.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Visual disorders are often under-diagnosed and under-treated in older patients. The main objective was to evaluate the percentage of patients having an ophthalmological follow-up corresponding to the recommendations of the Syndicat national des ophtalmologistes de France (SNOF). This prospective observational multicentre study included all patients aged 65 years or older presenting to their general practitioner in two medical practices from May to October 2021. Of the 113 patients included, 86 (76,1 %) had adequate ophthalmological follow-up, 14 consulted an ophthalmologist, and a therapeutic decision was made for nine patients. Follow-up of patients was generally as recommended. Screening for visual disorders for patients with no recent follow-up was beneficial. This screening must be integrated into a global approach, as the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) of the World Health Organization (WHO), in order to be more relevant and effective.

Keywords: aged; general practitioners; vision screening; visual disorders.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • France
  • Humans
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Vision Disorders*