Visual Questionnaire
June 16, 2010DrHovanesian No Comments »Visual Questionnaire Efficiently Collects Information/Guides Implant Discussion
A simple form used in our office gives us a wealth of information about patients’ visual needs and complaints. It helps us understand who is ready for cataract surgery, what type of implant might be best, who might just be happy with a couple of new pairs of glasses, and who is interested in LASIK. You too might find this form a useful way to learn about your patients.
Download it here: Visual Questionaire – Word document
The form consists of three sections. At the top (in the boxes) is an update of demographic and medical information necessary for updating our charts.
Lasik interest question: besides the obvious use of this information for non-cataract patients, we find it a strong indicator of interest in premium implants among cataract patients who answer “yes”.
How old are your glasses? Notice we ask about multiple types of glasses? This introduces patients to the concept of activity-specific lenses. It gives our optometrists and opticians valuable information about the types of lenses a patient already employs and might want in the future.
Visual difficulties section: this is adapted from well-established visual function questionnaires validated and used by the National Eye Institute objectively to assess visual impairment. It records each patient’s visual complaints in his/her own handwriting, providing irrefutable evidence that there were symptoms of disability before surgery. One never knows (Medicare audit, malpractice case) where this might be useful later. Mostly, it helps us understand how bothered a patient is by symptoms. I have found that patients who respond with 3′s and 4′s are fairly consistently ready for cataract surgery, assuming no other condition accounts for their visual complaint.
The last section is derived from Steven Dell’s pre-implant survey. It asks about the three activities that best guide us toward implant choice: driving after dark, computer use, and close detail work. Those who spend much time with the first two might be best for an accommodating implant, especially if they have had a good experience with monovision and don’t mind wearing glassed for fine print. Those who do not drive after dark, do a lot of near work, and don’t mind glasses for the computer might do better with a multifocal.
Naturally, every patient questionnaire has its limitations and can’t serve as a substitute for a thorough discussion. However, this form saves us valuable time and directs this discussion toward the finer details needed to help patients make the right decision during their always-too-brief time with the doctor.
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