Aeromedical evacuation of ophthalmic patients

The ophthalmic nurse practices in a wide variety of settings. One unique area of practice is in the aeromedical environment. Here, the nurse cares for a wide variety of patients. Patients might have ocular trauma or routine ocular conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. The opportunity to adapt learned skills and provide the same quality of care in an aircraft environment offers additional challenges to the ophthalmic nurse because of the effects of altitude physiology and stresses of flight. However, the patients' perceptions of pain and fear, due to the possibility of surgery and total blindness, are a common thread for all patients with ocular trauma and disease. Aeromedical evacuation of ophthalmic patients provides yet another challenging and rewarding role for the ophthalmic nurse.