Voyage Eye Care was founded to address a significant unmet need among patients with mobility and cognitive challenges. For these individuals, travel can be time-consuming and costly, especially when transportation services are required. While podiatry and dentistry services are commonly provided in many facilities and homes across the U.S., high-quality eye care remains scarce in these settings. Regular eye exams are crucial, as glasses can easily be lost, and prescriptions can become outdated. Additionally, blurred or reduced vision significantly increases the risk of balance problems and falls, which, as we know, can lead to life-altering injuries in the senior population—often requiring hospitalization.
Disease Prevalence
A 2023 study found that more than 1 in 4 people aged 71 and older experienced visual impairment in their lifetime. The most common eye conditions afflicting seniors include cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
In the early stages, symptoms of many eye conditions may not be obvious. However, without intervention, these conditions can worsen and lead to significant vision problems later in life. Early detection and management by an eye doctor are crucial for addressing issues before they become more severe.
Our senior population can have increasingly complex medical histories as they age. Not only do systemic diseases affect the eyes, but the long-term use of certain medications such as Seroquel, Plaquenil, Elmiron and more, can have ocular side effects that need to be monitored to prevent permanent vision loss.
Challenges of Facility Living
The demand on the staff for patient care in assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing facilities is very high. At Voyage Eye Care we try and design a care plan that includes keeping in mind a patient’s visual limitations and offer staff solutions for how to best assist the patient.
Did You Know?
On-site eye care can decrease the risk of falls and depression in senior residents, positively impacting a resident’s quality of life.