Evaluation of ophthalmological follow-up of patients over 65 years old in primary care

Introduction: Visual disorders are often under-diagnosed and under-treated in older patients. The main objective was to evaluate the percentage of patients having an ophthalmological follow-up corresponding to the recommendations of the Syndicat national des ophtalmologistes de France (SNOF). Material and method: This prospective observational multicentre study included all patients aged 65 years or older presenting to their general practitioner in two medical practices from May to October 2021. Results: Of the 113 patients included, 86 (76,1 %) had adequate ophthalmological follow-up, 14 consulted an ophthalmologist, and a therapeutic decision was made for nine patients. Discussion: Follow-up of patients was generally as recommended. Screening for visual disorders for patients with no recent follow-up was beneficial. This screening must be integrated into a global approach, as the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) of the World Health Organization (WHO), in order to be more relevant and effective.