Optometry's Expanding Role In The Management Of Cataract Patients.

Cataracts are the most prevalent ophthalmic disease and remain the leading cause of blindness in the world totaling over 17 million people. In the United States, studies have shown that cataracts are present in 10% of all citizens with the prevalence being 50% in the 65-74 age group and 70% in those 75 and older. With these staggering statistics, and the fact that cataracts are a preventable or curable cause of blindness, one can see the great need for high quality patient care. Because of optometry's expanding scope of practice, optometrists are playing a larger role in diagnosing, referring, and co-managing of the cataract patient. With this larger role in cataract care and management, the optometrist must be educated in the proper pre and post- operative management of cataracts.