The National Eye Institute observes Healthy Vision Month each year in July, calling attention to the importance of eye health and recognizing professionals dedicated to vision care, like optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians.
UTMB’s Cassie Rogers, OD, knows that optometrists are an important part of the journey for patients experiencing vision disorders. They are often the first point of contact for patients with a wide variety of vision care needs.
“As medical optometrists, we are primary eye care providers, who, in addition to routine eye care, monitor and manage many ocular manifestations, including diabetes, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. We also provide emergency eye care services for acute and chronic issues, such as red eyes, infections, allergies, traumas, and foreign body removals,” Dr. Rogers says.
If the optometrist determines that the patient has more complex needs, they can refer to their ophthalmology colleagues, who are equipped to diagnose and treat the full spectrum of eye diseases and can perform surgery. Many also subspecialize in specific eye diseases.
Dr. Rogers, who most recently worked in private practice before coming to UTMB last year, appreciates the wide range of conditions she gets to see as a provider in the academic medical center setting. The experience helps to keep her knowledge and skills sharp while contributing to a greater team effort.
Whether managed by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, getting to the root of the patient’s problem is the first step to providing them with the right care and resources.
Dr. Rogers points out that many systemic conditions can have ocular complications – from autoimmune diseases to chromosomal disorders. In some cases, these are the first symptoms a patient may experience, reinforcing the importance of having routine vision care.
“Autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation inside the eye, so we'll send the patient out for blood work because there's something underlying causing the inflammation in the eye. A lot of times, that's how autoimmune diseases are discovered,” Dr. Rogers says.
Regarding how often individuals should have their eyes examined, Dr. Rogers recommends following the American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines. The AAO states, “If you are 65 or older, make sure you have your eyes checked every year or two.”
“Many eye diseases do not show symptoms in the early stages, so it is important to regularly have your eye’s examined,” she says.
With the information discovered in an eye exam, a patient who may have an autoimmune disease or other systemic condition can seek further care to confirm their diagnosis and receive treatment from the appropriate providers.
For those who are experiencing active symptoms, Dr. Rogers recommends seeking eye care right away. She says patients should make an appointment if they are having eye pain, sudden vision loss, episodes of vision going in and out, irritation, or redness.
UTMB has expanded its team in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in the past year, providing more access to patients of all ages across the system’s service region. UTMB has four Eye Center locations, in League City, Friendswood, Galveston, and Texas City. The latter two, where Dr. Rogers practices, also have optical shops onsite.
Cassie Rogers, OD, sees patients at the UTMB Health Eye Center locations in Galveston and Texas City. Learn more about vision care at UTMB Health. |