Computer-Based Quality Improvement for Management of Functionally Monocular Patients

Abstract

Abstract Implementing computer-based decision support can improve physician compliance for prescription of impact-resistant lenses (IRLs) in functionally monocular patients. One of the compliance-limiting factors remains performing a refraction for qualifying patients. There are an estimated 2.4 million eye injuries in the US annually, approximately 90% of which can be prevented by the use of protective eyewear.1 The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Preferred Practice Patterns for Amblyopia recommends that individuals with unilateral vision impairment with vision of 20/50 in the amblyopic eye should wear protective eyewear full time, even if they do not require optical correction.2 At Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) the preferred practice is to recommend protective eyewear for all functionally monocular individuals (best-corrected vision of 20/50 with qualifying diagnoses and > 2 lines of interocular difference in visual acuity [Table 1 and 2 at www.aaojournal.org ]). We embarked on large-scale quality improvement (QI) initiative for all providers at the DMEI/University for Oklahoma Department of Ophthalmology over a seven-year period.