LOGISTICS OF PERFORMING AN OPHTHALMIC ASSESSMENT IN ELDERLY INPATIENTS

To assess the feasibility of performing an ophthalmic assessment on el derly inpatients, we examined 48 patients over 75 years of age who wer e consecutively admitted to an acute elderly-care ward. Difficulties w ere encountered in 35 patients (73%). By employing simple methods to o vercome these problems, useful information was obtained in all cases a nd the time taken to complete the examination ranged from six to 20 mi nutes (mean 7.5 minutes). Doctors looking after elderly patients shoul d be encouraged to assess visual function and must not be deterred by anticipated logistical difficulties.