Hypertension: an optometric problem for the 80s

As primary health care providers, optometrists can make a significant contribution to the overall health of our patients by routinely measuring blood pressure, referring those individuals with elevated blood pressures for evaluation and/or treatment, and supporting previously diagnosed hypertensives to maintain their treatment regimen. The 1984 Report of the Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure gives optometrists an up-to-date synopsis of blood pressure management. It includes referral procedures, blood pressure classifications, the revised stepped-care treatment approach and patient-professional interaction suggestions for improving long-term treatment compliance. It is imperative that optometrists reinforce the importance of regular hypertension evaluation to our patients and answer questions concerning blood pressure and its related follow-up care.