The Potential of Optometrists' Referrals of Older Patients to Community-Based Exercise Programs: Findings From a...

Exercise is important for older adults in order to prevent falls and live safer, healthier lives. Visual impairment is a risk factor for falling. Older adults tend to visit optometrists frequently; however, assessing patients' physical exercise levels is not a routine practice for optometrists. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential for optometrists' referrals to exercise programs. This study used a mixed-method, cross-sectional design. In focus groups, optometry patients (N = 42) discussed the acceptability of an optometrist's prescription for exercise programs. The vast majority of optometry patients (90%) indicated that they would follow such a prescription for exercise from their optometrists. Texas optometrists (N = 268) were surveyed about the potential for exercise program prescriptions, and 97% indicated a willingness to prescribe exercise programs to their patients. The results suggest that there is an opportunity for community-clinical partnerships to prevent falls and to improve the health of older patients.