D25 - Overcoming Obstacles to Vision Care with Creativity and Teamwork

Sunday, August 10, 2025

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM MT

CE/CME Hours: .75 CE

Pharmacology Hours: 0.0 CE

Primary Presenter(s)

LD

Laura DeWitt, OD

Optometrist/ Optometry Supervisor
Four Corners Regional Health Center (Indian Health Service)
Teec Nos Pos, Arizona

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Co-Presenter(s)

JH

Jane Heavilin, RN

Nurse Specialist (Diabetes Educator)
Four Corners Regional Health Center (Indian Health Service
Teec Nos Pos, Arizona

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
TR

Thomas Reardon, APRN (he/him/his)

Nurse Practitioner
Four Corners Regional Health Center (Indian Health Service)
Teec Nos Pos, Arizona

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Diabetes-related retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. Vision loss can be prevented by early detection and treatment when the condition becomes vision threatening. Retinopathy surveillance usually requires a dilated eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Patients in some communities have limited access to eye appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. This session discusses how clinics can incorporate telemedicine to improve access to care, and how applying a performance improvement model can help teams come together to overcome patient barriers to eye care.

Disclosure(s):

Laura DeWitt, OD: No financial relationships to disclose

Jane Heavilin, RN: No financial relationships to disclose

Thomas Reardon, APRN: No financial relationships to disclose