["Projet doré": Screening for ocular pathologies in nursing home residents]

Abstract

For several years, our society has been experiencing an aging of the population. Concurrently, there has been an observable increase in the population of nursing homes (EHPAD). The context of a global epidemic and the public health measures implemented to address it have underscored the vulnerability of our elderly population and the need for remote consultations to ensure continuity of care. From December 2020 to July 2022, an ophthalmological assessment with the RNM protocol was offered to residents of 11 EHPADs located in Manche and Calvados. Two hundred twenty-two patients, with a mean age of 83, underwent an eye examination. Following our intervention, the average logMar visual acuity was statistically significantly improved from 0.76 to 0.61 (P<0.0001) for distance vision. Ophthalmological pathology was identified in 143 patients (64%). This project provided an isolated, dependent population, unable to access traditional in-person physician visits, the opportunity to fully restore access to medical follow-up. Early detection of vision problems in the elderly can help prevent potentially serious complications and improve the overall quality of life for these individuals. Telemedicine proves to be a valid alternative to traditional in-person visits, particularly for heavily dependent and institutionalized patients.

Keywords: EHPAD; Nursing home; Ophtalmologie; Ophthalmology; Telemedicine; Télémédecine.