Rationale

Chronic, slowly progressive visual loss is a significant health issue in the elderly population and groups at risk (e.g., people with diabetes).

Causal Conditions

(list not exhaustive)

1. Glaucoma

2. Cataracts

3. Macular degeneration

4. Retinopathy due to chronic illness

Key Objectives

Given a patient with chronic visual disturbance or loss, the candidate will diagnose the cause, severity, and complications, and will initiate an appropriate management plan. In particular, the candidate will recognize the populations at risk of chronic visual loss and will institute screening and preventive measures.

Enabling Objectives

Given a patient with chronic visual disturbance or loss, the candidate will

1. list and interpret clinical findings, including

   1. the characteristics of the visual loss and other relevant medical history;

   2. results of an appropriate eye examination; and

   3. the presence of a vision-threatening condition;

2. list and interpret critical investigations (e.g., fundoscopy, visual fields, ocular pressure); and

3. construct an effective initial management plan, including

   1. determining whether the patient’s vision is at risk for deterioration and referring for appropriate screening, if indicated;

   2. instituting medical therapy, as appropriate; and

   3. if indicated, referring the patient for specialized care in an appropriately timely manner.