OVERVIEW

LIVE (In-Person) and LIVESTREAM (Virtual) attendance options are available. 

There is a demographic shift in the U.S. towards an older population. This “gray tsunami” will disproportionately affect ophthalmology as a specialty because our top disorders are diseases of the elderly (age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), glaucoma and cataracts). Geriatric ophthalmic patients are not simply “older adults”; they have unique responses to treatment and disease and may have co-morbidities that impact diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Moreover, elderly patients may require the expertise of several health professionals from diverse disciplines who have experience in dealing with specific geriatric syndromes. Increasing geriatric expertise among ophthalmologists and primary care specialists while promoting competent, compassionate care of elderly patients is imperative.

This activity seeks to address the needs of the geriatric patient population by arming providers with the necessary information on topics such as diabetic retinopathy, ARMD, cataracts, glaucoma, low-vision, as well as related co-morbidities (e.g., depression, dementia, hearing loss, function loss, driving and elder abuse). There is an insufficient number of geriatricians to meet the demographic shift, and individual specialty providers, generalists and allied health personnel will be required to have expertise in geriatric domains within their areas of service in order to provide care that is optimal, cost effective and safe.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Ophthalmologists, optometrists, geriatricians, internists, family practitioners, residents, fellows, physician assistants, registered nurses, advanced practice nurse practitioners and healthcare professionals with an interest in geriatric ophthalmology.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

• Describe glaucoma issues in the elderly, including compliance issues with therapy specific to elderly, avoiding polypharmacy and enhancing short-term and long-term compliance.    
• Discuss medical and ophthalmic surgical issues in the elderly, including when and when not to operate, consent issues, and falls and fractures in the postoperative period. 
• Describe age-related macular degeneration issues, including management and new treatments, the role of vitamin therapy, and the need for low vision services.

ACCREDITATION

Houston Methodist is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Houston Methodist designates this Live activity for a maximum of 5.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

For more information please visit the official event page.