AOA Links with Digital Healthcare to Target Patients with Diabetes, Promote Public Health
November 9, 2009 12:24 AM
ST. LOUIS—The American Optometric Association and ophthalmic technology manufacturer Digital Healthcare are partnering “to assist optometrists in providing better care for patients with diabetes and other chronic diseases, and in promoting public health,” according to the AOA.
The relationship will facilitate the development of a range of programs and initiatives to ensure the medically underserved and uninsured have access to comprehensive vision and eye health services, an announcement said. One project the organizations plan to work toward is developing vision and eye-health information technology systems to benefit at-risk patients.
The AOA and DH will collaborate through a variety of technology deployments in an array of care settings (primary-care offices, endocrinology offices, university residency programs, community-based health systems, integrated delivery networks) to facilitate improved communication and coordination between ODs and primary-care physicians to enhance community-based diabetes team care, according to the AOA.
“The technology will benefit optometrists and their patients by offering a more coordinated approach to health care,” said Randolph Brooks, OD, AOA president. “We will also be working on delivering a variety of technology advancements in a diversity of health care settings…facilitating both better delivery of eyecare, and improved communication and coordination between optometrists and primary-care physicians.”
Optometrists interested in more information can call (866) 539-4213 or visit
Retasure.com.