The chair of ophthalmology at the University of Michigan examined a recent report investigating the value of vision screening for older adults with no symptoms.
Paul Lee's editorial, published online today in JAMA , explains the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force report, also published today in JAMA .
The USPSTF work states that current evidence doesn't allow for assessment of clear recommendation supporting the use of visual acuity in screening those 65 and older who have no symptoms and are not already under eye care.
Lee's editorial highlights the strengths of the task force's methods while acknowledging some difficulties in carrying out the recommendations of the task force and the possible implications of ongoing change in the care delivery system.
Strengths mentioned in the editorial include:
Difficulties of the USPSTF process, according to Lee, include:
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Read the full editorial on JAMA 's site: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2497887 .
Disclosure: Lee receives support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology/American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Reference: "Visual Acuity Screening Among Asymptomatic Older Adults," The Journal of the American Medical Association , March 1, 2016. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.1271.
JAMA