Whats the score?
When an optician notices obvious Dry AMD characteristics (OCT/Retinal imaging) would they be obliged to tell to explain what they have seen, and the implications for the individual? Or would it be okay to simply refer the individual to the Ophthalmology department, without giving any indication or hint of what the problem might be?
Back in 2008 I was told I had macular degeneration and was given an explanation. I was told to take AREDS2 and nothing else. It wasn't until I was seen by my VA clinic that it was explained to me. I also have extremely dry eyes and have had it since I was 35 years old, that was 42 years ago and I wasn't told anything except to use eye drops. My VA clinic has me on Refresh Tears, Refresh gel and Refresh PM orinment. I can't take the regular AREDS2 because it contains to much zinc and I almost got zinc poisoning.
Hi
. If opticians are not entirely sure whether they are seeing symptoms of dry AMD, they might simply refer you to an ophthalmologist without saying much more for your own safety and their own protection. My own doctor friends have told me they sometimes hold their tongues because they lack confidence - confidence in their own abilties to diagnose certain conditions and/or confidence that the symptoms they are seeing really are related. They worry that patients might make poor decisions based on their unconfirmed theories and that those decisions might lead to poor outcomes, and, potentially, also lead to malpractice suits. I know it's hard to wait, but the important thing is that your optician referred you to someone with more expertise. Have you been able to schedule an appointment? Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) Thank-you so much, but if my Dentist sees something not usual in my mouth they tell me what they think it is and recommend a hospital referral. In my case they have seen things in my eyes for years and not giving out any hints or concerns ... its only now the things have "changed" that they have referred me, saying that they cant diagnose... they didnt rule anything out (which I find strange). I found the eye exam at the Hospital very visually intrusive .. and I dont think my eyes have yet recovered from the blinding lights. I now have diet of Red Peppers, kale and Salmon... while I wait to be called for a followup visit. I would expect that all Opticians who have the full kit, would be trained to spot Drusden from a mile off, if this is not the case I would have concerns over the breadth of their training.
Fingers and Toes crossed, and I'll keep binging on Kale!!! JI get that type of eye exam every time that my VA eye doctors see me for an appointment. Which normally every 6 months. They scan my eyes us the magnifying glass to look in my eyes. Do a vision exam. Look at the back of my eyes.
