Out of all five of the senses humans possess, the sense of sight may be the most important, with humans perceiving up to 80% of all their impressions via sight. This makes our eyes, unequivocally, one of, if not the most important organs in the entire human body, which should make eye and vision health a priority for people all around the globe.
Yet, according to a report done by the National Eye Institute, more than 23 million Americans aged 18 or older have never had an eye exam conducted, with most respondents citing that they don’t believe they have an eye problem that requires an exam. Unfortunately, many eye diseases don’t display symptoms in the early stages, which makes knowing one’s true eye health difficult with a thorough examination.
This July, Arkos is proud to support and celebrate Healthy Vision Month 2024, an annual observance held by the NEI since 2003 to encourage Americans to make their eye health a priority and provide education on how to keep their eyes healthy and safe.
Raising awareness for eye health through Healthy Vision Month is critical, given worrying estimates about future eye disease growth. By 2030, experts estimate that 11.4 million people will have diabetic retinopathy, 4.2 million will have glaucoma, and 3.7 million will have age-related macular degeneration, meaning over 1 in 20 Americans will have some degree of vision impairment.
To combat this growing eye affliction, Healthy Vision Month spreads helpful information about ways to be proactive with eye health. Getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam, knowing family eye health history, and wearing protective eyewear while working, and sunglasses while outdoors are just some of the methods the NEI recommends people employ when looking to protect their vision.
At Arkos, we are proud to play our part during Healthy Vision Month 2024, by helping patients get started with their vision screenings, by providing unique patient support programs, offering access to better options and more valuable healthcare resources.
Through our specialized Diabetic Eye Exam service, we are recognizing the critical need for early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy by proactively identifying members with open gaps in their eye care. By scheduling in-home visits with our Quality Coordinators, we ensure that patients receive the necessary care in the comfort and convenience of their own homes, or wherever they are, including at their primary care provider’s (PCP) office.
Our eye exams are conducted utilizing advanced handheld cameras. The captured images are reviewed by an ophthalmologist, with results typically available within two to three days. This rapid turnaround enables timely intervention and follow-up care if abnormalities are detected.
In cases where abnormalities are found Arkos covers the referral process, ensuring each patient schedules an appointment with an ophthalmologist for further evaluation and treatment. Normal results from the exam close the measure for two years, providing peace of mind to patients and their primary care providers. In contrast, abnormal results necessitate a repeat exam in one year, ensuring ongoing monitoring and management of the patient’s eye health.
By offering these services, Arkos Health significantly impacts the improvement of diabetic patients’ vision health, preventing complications and enhancing their quality of life through timely and accessible eye care.
Ultimately, Arkos is here to make sure that patients with impaired vision have access to the eye care they need. We strongly urge everyone to do their part this July, by being proactive with their eye health.
BY Arkos Insights
Published July 24, 2024 1:39PM
