Study Reveals Medical Value of Eye Exams

Eye care professionals can play a key role in identifying diseases and working with primary care physicians to deliver care, according to a study by UnitedHealthcare. The company looked at claims for plan participants with medical and vision benefits. Eye care professionals identified nearly 6% of the chronic conditions diagnosed among the study population. Also, eye care professionals identified 15% of certain diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and diabetes. They also found common conditions, such as high cholesterol and hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and Graves disease. Linda Chous, O.D., chief eye care officer, UnitedHealthcare Vision, said, “When eye care professionals share information about diseases with patients and other care providers, it can lead to better information, better decisions and better health outcomes.” For more information, visitwww.Bridge2Health.com.