Amid a changing healthcare landscape, one thing will always remain constant: the fact that primary care is valuable for everyone, whether we are talking about newborns or seniors.
Studies show that states with higher ratios of primary care physicians to population have better health outcomes; lower rates of mortality from conditions like heart disease, cancer, or stroke; lower infant mortality; and healthier birth weights.
As a family physician who has practiced in Jackson, Alabama, for 40 years, I make sure my patients are always getting the preventive care that they need — from vaccinations and cancer screenings to behavioral health needs. This also extends to monitoring and managing chronic conditions like eye disease and identifying underlying causes of vision decline or loss.
Often, family physicians are the sole physicians providing care in their communities, especially in rural or underserved areas. We’re experts at adapting our care to fit the unique needs of these communities. We’re intimately familiar with our patient’s medical history through regular checkups and can refer patients to optometrists and ophthalmologists if necessary. We’re also a safe space for patients to talk about their health needs.
Holistic health
Some chronic diseases can have a long-term impact on vision. Some medical conditions left untreated can cause vision loss. Some patients have lived with mild vision impairment for so long that they get used to it and forget to advocate for themselves when their condition worsens. As a family physician, I’m able to see the whole picture, connect the dots with my patients, and help ensure they get the support they need for their vision within the context of their whole health.
For example, if a patient who is experiencing vision loss comes in for a regular appointment, I take into consideration the patient’s whole health history. I review their medical chart to find the answers to questions like: Do they have a family history of glaucoma? Do they have diabetes? Are they at risk for diabetes? Are they taking any medications?
Because of my strong relationships with my patients, we can have an open and honest conversation about their vision health, and from there, we work together to run the proper tests and screenings and formulate a treatment plan that works best for them.
Preventative care
By performing regular checkups that focus on preventive care, we can help identify and prevent risks to vision health. Family physicians are well-equipped to help patients manage and navigate their vision health, whether they’re prescribing and monitoring medication, referring patients to specialists, providing community resources, recommending surgery, or teaching patients how to use eye drops. We are also at the forefront of technological advances such as using automated digital fundal cameras to obtain images that are transmitted to an ophthalmologist for review to screen for diabetic retinopathy.
I entered family medicine because I wanted to treat people rather than simply address an organ system or disease state. Primary care — and family medicine, in particular — is unique because our lives become intertwined with our patients. We want our patients to live lives that are as healthy and as full as possible, and that means helping our communities keep their minds, bodies, and vision healthy.
