Home care for the postoperative cataract patient

The traditional collaborative practice model sustained a negative impact when cataract surgery became an outpatient procedure. Discharging postoperative cataract patients to self care a few hours after surgery, allows limited time to appropriately plan for rehabilitative needs. Home ophthalmic nursing care restores the collaborative practice model while addressing ophthalmic conditions. Complications of cataract surgery are a reality and range from minor to catastrophic. The nurse is able to assess the postoperative patient, to collaborate with the ophthalmologist and to intervene expeditiously. The ophthalmic registered home care nurse acts as the vital link between the ophthalmologist and the patient.