Podcast
Questions and Answers
When should an optometrist refer a patient to an ophthalmologist regarding ophthalmic infections?
When should an optometrist refer a patient to an ophthalmologist regarding ophthalmic infections?
What is the primary focus of the slit-lamp examination in the context of ocular tumors?
What is the primary focus of the slit-lamp examination in the context of ocular tumors?
Which procedure involves using a lens to detect retinal tumors during an ocular health examination?
Which procedure involves using a lens to detect retinal tumors during an ocular health examination?
What type of patient history is essential before diagnosing glaucoma?
What type of patient history is essential before diagnosing glaucoma?
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What is a dark shadow during the transillumination test indicative of?
What is a dark shadow during the transillumination test indicative of?
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What is specifically assessed during applanation tonometry?
What is specifically assessed during applanation tonometry?
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What is the main goal of performing a formal visual fields test in glaucoma assessment?
What is the main goal of performing a formal visual fields test in glaucoma assessment?
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Which imaging procedure is used for follow-up when a nevus is suspected?
Which imaging procedure is used for follow-up when a nevus is suspected?
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Which test may be helpful for patients unable to adequately take automated tests?
Which test may be helpful for patients unable to adequately take automated tests?
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What action should be taken if a patient is suffering from an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma?
What action should be taken if a patient is suffering from an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma?
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What is a key consideration when treating a patient with some determinable visual field loss?
What is a key consideration when treating a patient with some determinable visual field loss?
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In the context of vicarious liability within an optometry practice, who can an optometrist be held liable for?
In the context of vicarious liability within an optometry practice, who can an optometrist be held liable for?
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What should be recalled for further testing in complex or ambiguous glaucoma cases?
What should be recalled for further testing in complex or ambiguous glaucoma cases?
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What defines a situation of vicarious liability?
What defines a situation of vicarious liability?
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What is measured by pachymetry?
What is measured by pachymetry?
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What should be discussed with the patient regarding test findings?
What should be discussed with the patient regarding test findings?
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What defines the relationship under a contract of services in context with a business?
What defines the relationship under a contract of services in context with a business?
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When can an employer be held vicariously liable for the acts of an employee?
When can an employer be held vicariously liable for the acts of an employee?
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Which of the following is NOT a condition that allows an act to come within an employee's employment?
Which of the following is NOT a condition that allows an act to come within an employee's employment?
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What constitutes product liability for an optometrist?
What constitutes product liability for an optometrist?
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Which of the following is an appropriate strategy for managing risk in a practice?
Which of the following is an appropriate strategy for managing risk in a practice?
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Which statement about vicarious liability is true for an optometrist?
Which statement about vicarious liability is true for an optometrist?
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What is the necessary condition for an employee's act to be deemed within the scope of employment?
What is the necessary condition for an employee's act to be deemed within the scope of employment?
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Which responsibility does the optometrist have regarding products provided to patients?
Which responsibility does the optometrist have regarding products provided to patients?
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Which documents should be kept as part of patient-related records?
Which documents should be kept as part of patient-related records?
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What is necessary before performing any high-risk procedures?
What is necessary before performing any high-risk procedures?
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Which of the following contributes to effective risk management in an optometry practice?
Which of the following contributes to effective risk management in an optometry practice?
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What should be the focus of the discussions with patients regarding procedures?
What should be the focus of the discussions with patients regarding procedures?
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What type of insurance protects an optometrist against claims arising from negligence?
What type of insurance protects an optometrist against claims arising from negligence?
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How should optometrists manage the delegation of duties to their employees?
How should optometrists manage the delegation of duties to their employees?
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What action should be taken if equipment used in the practice shows signs of wear?
What action should be taken if equipment used in the practice shows signs of wear?
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Which of the following is necessary for employee compliance in understanding office policies?
Which of the following is necessary for employee compliance in understanding office policies?
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What behavior by Jonathon likely contributed to the car accident?
What behavior by Jonathon likely contributed to the car accident?
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What damages can Mr. Lamar potentially claim from Jonathon due to the accident?
What damages can Mr. Lamar potentially claim from Jonathon due to the accident?
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If legal action is taken, what coverage might indemnity insurance provide for Jonathon?
If legal action is taken, what coverage might indemnity insurance provide for Jonathon?
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Which circumstance would most likely exclude insurance coverage for Jonathon?
Which circumstance would most likely exclude insurance coverage for Jonathon?
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What type of injuries did Mr. Lamar suffer in the accident?
What type of injuries did Mr. Lamar suffer in the accident?
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Which party was primarily responsible for the accident based on the given scenario?
Which party was primarily responsible for the accident based on the given scenario?
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How did Jonathon's decision to check his phone impact the situation?
How did Jonathon's decision to check his phone impact the situation?
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What can be inferred about Mr. Cole's role in the accident?
What can be inferred about Mr. Cole's role in the accident?
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Study Notes
Ophthalmic Infections
- Optometrists are required to check visual acuity, perform slit lamp examinations, and dilated fundus examinations as needed
- They can treat ophthalmic infections as allowed by legislation, but must refer patients to an ophthalmologist for second opinions, untreatable conditions, or if they choose not to treat
Ocular Tumors
- Careful history documentation, discussion of benefits and risks of procedures, and ocular health examination with dilated fundus examination are crucial
- Biomicroscopy should be performed to detect external, iris, ciliary body, and retinal tumors
- Transillumination tests can view a reflex, indicating a pigmented tumor
- A threshold visual fields test can find underlying tumors, such as pituitary adenomas
- In suspicious nevus cases, fundus photography, B-scan ultrasound, OCT, FAF, and angiography may be performed
- Referral to an ophthalmologist is essential upon diagnosis of an ocular tumor
Glaucoma
- Thorough patient history, informed consent, and ocular health examination, including visual acuity, pupillary assessment, slit lamp examination, applanation tonometry, and gonioscopy are necessary
- Optic nerve documentation with stereoscopic disc photos, red-free photographs, computerized image analysis, or meticulous drawings are needed
- Formal visual fields tests, even without elevated IOP or visual complaints, are required
- Color vision testing and pachymetry are also recommended
- In complex cases, further testing, serial IOP measurement, and formal visual fields tests may be needed
- Referral to an ophthalmologist is necessary for acute angle-closure glaucoma
- Informed consent is required for monitoring glaucoma suspects or starting treatment
Vicarious Liability
- Employers are liable for the negligent acts of their employees who are acting in the course of their duties
- An employee is someone employed under a contract of service, while an independent contractor is employed under a contract for services
- Employers are ultimately responsible for providing services, and employees are acting on behalf of the employer
- Employers are not liable if an employee is acting on their own accord or outside of their duties
- To prevent vicarious liability, employers should provide employees with rules, policies, training, and guidance
Product Liability
- Optometrists are responsible for ensuring all products provided to patients are safe and fit for purpose
- If an optometrist manufactures or sells a faulty product, they may be liable under contract and for negligence
Risk Management
- Document all appointments, including missed appointments
- Take complete and thorough patient history
- Maintain professionalism
- Refer patients appropriately and timely
- Maintain clear, accurate patient records
- Obtain informed consent for invasive or high-risk procedures and long-term treatments
- Discuss procedures with patients
- Follow up with patients
- Supervise and train employees
- Inspect and maintain equipment
- Inspect office environment for hazards
Legal Action
- Provide employees with “dos” and “don’ts”
- Have employees sign forms acknowledging they understand office policies and procedures
- Hold regular meetings with employees to refresh their understanding of policies, duties, and responsibilities
- Only delegate duties that employees are qualified to perform
- Document procedures, attempts at follow-up, referrals, test results, diagnoses, treatment plans, discussions, warnings, and instructions
- Keep patient documentation and records confidential and safe
Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Designed to protect optometrists who are liable to a third party due to negligent acts or omissions
- Covers costs of the optometrist’s legal defense, legal costs of the third party if the defense is unsuccessful, and damages payable to the third party
- Excludes coverage for fraudulent or dishonest acts and punitive damages related to those acts
Case Study
- Jonathon was negligent in the accident because he drove carelessly and was distracted by his ringing phone
- His negligence directly caused the accident and subsequent injuries and damages to Mr. Lamar
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Description
This quiz covers essential topics in ophthalmic disorders, including infections, tumors, and glaucoma management. Participants will review important procedures and guidelines for diagnosing and treating ocular conditions. Enhance your knowledge of optometry practices and patient referrals.