Community Eye Health Journal (Jun 2008)
A holistic approach to eye care for older people
Abstract
Many eye diseases, such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration, occur more frequently as we advance in years. As a consequence, eye care workers are likely to encounter older people more frequently than any other group.The holistic approach to treating an older person involves considering the complete person, both physically and psychologically. You should consider every aspect of that person that has an impact on their health and wellbeing. This will greatly improve the outcome of the consultation and any subsequent treatment, both for the older patient and for the eye care worker.It is equally important to treat every older person who seeks care with respect, in a way that preserves his or her dignity and autonomy.
