The importance of the therapeutic alliance

A review of classic and contemporary literature in the field of psychotherapy shows potential correspondence between the relationships of psychotherapists and optometrists to their patients. Much of the help that a doctor in any specialty offers to a patient is emotional. The doctor's nonjudgmental attitude, warmth, respect, reassurance, and willingness to listen can promote a healthy patient-doctor relationship and, in turn, that therapeutic alliance is important for the patient's compliance with treatment plans.

Although the nonpsychotherapist should never extend treatment into any activity that could be called psychotherapy, an optometrist must nevertheless consider and recognize factors in diagnosis and treatment. The optometrist needs to listen closely to a patient's concerns and provide objective information about his or her condition. An eye examination must span several disciplines--including psychology, sociology, linguistics, phonetics, and disclosure analysis, lest the optometrist misinterpret or discount what the patient says.

Responding to the psychological aspects of visual impairment is part of a humane treatment program, and showing genuine empathy is central to the effectiveness of therapy.