Hypertension Screenings: A Survey Of Michigan Optometrists.

Background: As the scope of practice for optometrists has continued to grow, optometrists have become more involved in both the ocular effects of systemic diseases as well as the overall systemic health of the patient. The goal of this research is to determine whether or not optometrists in Michigan are screening for hypertension as a part of their routine examinations to detect ocular complications of systemic disease before they manifest in the eye. Methods: A survey was developed and sent to a random selection of optometrists across the state of Michigan. 107 surveys were returned resulting in a response rate of 53.5%. These responses gave insight into the frequency and importance of hypertension screenings in the state of Michigan. Results: Optometrists in Michigan are concerned with the overall systemic health of their patients, including how high blood pressure can affect the eye. Unfortunately, blood pressure is not routinely screened in many practices. Time constraints are listed as one of the major reasons that hypertension screenings are not performed. Conclusions: Delegating more tasks to technicians, or implementing the use of automated devices would allow practitioners to include hypertension screenings in their office with minimal increases in exam time, thus providing more comprehensive care to their patient population.