Role of ophthalmic nurses with visually impaired patients

In 1987, it was estimated that over 13 million people in the world were visually impaired, and more than 27 to 35 million were classified as blind. Greater than 6 million visually impaired people live in the United States. There are many causes of visual impairment, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, autoimmune deficiency syndrome, and trauma. Some patients may be helped or visual loss delayed with surgery. Many may have dramatic visual improvement with optical devices, large-print publications, and improved lighting. The ophthalmic nurse may assist in accurately assessing the patient's vision and identifying his or her lifestyle and ability to function independently. Assisting the patient to overcome psychosocial and economic barriers and helping to obtain assistance is critical to enable patients to function independently. Ophthalmic nurses may be instrumental in increasing patients' awareness of community resources and services available to those who are visually impaired.