Lighthouse International and Senator Martin J. Golden announce New York City's first homebound elderly nurse practitioner program for patients with vision impairment (Archive)
Vision loss is a major cause of hip fractures and other injuries which could be prevented by proactive treatment
New York, N.Y... December 4, 2008 - New York City's first homebound elderly program for people with vision impairment will be conducted by Lighthouse International in Brooklyn's 22nd Senate District represented by State Senator Martin J. Golden, it was jointly announced today.
As people age and diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetes increase, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers will have significant vision problems in the coming decade. "We are very pleased to be working with Senator Golden on this important program to help vulnerable New Yorkers who need this vital service. We hope it results in less falls, less medication errors and increased safety." states Tara A. Cortes, RN, PhD, President and CEO of Lighthouse International, a 103 year-old vision health care leader whose mission is to fight, preserve and prevent vision loss.
Senator Marty Golden, the Chairman of the New York State Senate Aging Committee stated, "I am proud to partner with Lighthouse International in launching this program in Brooklyn. This program will be of great benefit to our senior citizens who have not had an eye exam in more than a year. Lighthouse International will give seniors an opportunity to get in-home vision exams and recommendations for follow up care. In some cases, a more accurate prescription on their eyeglasses will ensure our seniors are taking the right medications and the right doses. And better eyesight will prevent falls and injuries as well."
Under this new program, Lighthouse International will provide the services of a geriatric nurse practitioner (NP) - a registered nurse with a masters degree who is certified by New York State. The Nurse Practitioner has been specifically trained by Lighthouse International to do home visits. When necessary, she or he will be accompanied by an optometrist who will examine the patient and prescribe glasses. The Nurse Practitioner will visit 40 homebound elderly who have not seen an ophthalmologist or optometrist for a vision exam in the last year because of illness or other issues. The NP will perform eye and health exams, and will focus on encouraging and maintaining a safe enjoinment in the seniors' home -- at no cost to the patient during this pilot project. In addition, the patient may receive other vision rehabilitation services including suggestions on how to make their home safer (improving lighting, removing dangerous throw rugs etc.) as well as special devices to help them manage their daily living more effectively. For more information contact 212-821-9237.
The project is supported by grants from the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, The United Hospital Fund, The Isaac H. Tuttle Fund, The Lavelle Fund for the Blind, New York Community Trust and the Allene Reuss Memorial Trust.
Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vision and to providing critically needed health care services to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Through services, education, research and advocacy, the Lighthouse enables people with low vision and blindness to enjoy safe, independent and productive lives. For more information about vision loss and its causes, contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500.
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