Optometry and Nursing Collaboration
Dry Eye Research at the University of Missouri- St. Louis College of Optometry
Optometry and Nursing Collaboration
Approximately two years ago, a group of representatives from several health related disciplines offered on the campus of University of Missouri-St. Louis got together to attend an inter-professional education conference. Among the disciplines in attendance were optometry, nursing, gerontology, and social work. The main objective of the conference was to explore the possibility of developing an educational collaboration incorporating inter-professional teams.
A few months ago, Assistant Dean for Academic and Clinical Programs in the College of Optometry (Ralph Garzia, Doctor of Optometry) and Assistant Teaching Professor in the College of Nursing (Claudia Valentine, Doctor of Nursing Practice) saw the idea come to fruition. Beginning the summer of 2014, Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Optometry students came together to enhance their educational experience and improve the healthcare outcomes of their patients. While present during direct patient care encounters in both Primary Care and Pediatric Care at the University Eye Center, Nurse Practitioner students are involved in providing patients with information about the nature of their condition, medication dosages and side effects, and community resources. To gain a better understanding of the overall condition of the patient, not just as it relates to the health of the eye, Doctor of Optometry students can utilize this experience to become more engaged in the total care of their patients as well as the inter-professional services required.
Ultimately, the patient stands to benefit the most from this collaboration, and the two disciplines gain a newfound respect for each other. Dr. Garzia believes, “Inter-professional education builds awareness and appreciation for what each discipline can accomplish. Students gain better insight into the other discipline’s substance and purpose.” The University Eye Center offers a clinical experience in which future O.D.s examine and treat patients with a vast array of medical conditions. A true understanding of the inter-professional services required to treat the overall health of a patient ensures that, as a primary care provider, the O.D. is prepared to give the best patient care possible.
The collaboration is expected to continue, as plans for a new facility to incorporate several disciplines are underway. As general patient care is expected to evolve into a more collaborative approach in the coming years, graduates of the Doctor of Optometry program at UMSL will be leading the way.
The annual Residency Day was held at UMSL on Thursday October 23rd, 2014. The event was attended by several local practitioners, faculty members, and all students in the third and fourth year of UMSL’s optometry program. The day is focused around five hours of continuing education given by the 12 UMSL-affiliated residents. Each resident presented a grand-round presentation totaling five hours of continuing education. The day-long event was generously sponsored by Alcon, Allergan, and Coopervision. At the conclusion of the presentations, the residents and third and fourth year students participate in a residency question-and-answer session. This is a great opportunity for the students to interact with the residents and learn more about residencies in general; as well as the application process, interviewing, ORMatch, and what being a resident entails.
Below is an outline of the continuing education presented at Residency Day 2014.
Kansas City VAMC - Dr. Tim Harkins, Coordinator
Rachael Canania Nonglaucomatous Optic Atrophy, “a whiter shade of pale”
Brandon Hadel Macular Holes
Danielle Waller Pigment Dispersion Syndrome
Saint Louis VAMC- Dr. Steve Grondalski, Coordinator
Michela Kenning Definitively Diagnosing Retinal Pathology with OCT
Sonia Salas Histoplasmosis “What Lies Inside”
Marion VAMC- Dr. Linda Lucas, Coordinator
Jennie Visk “CIN city”
Adam Winkeler Optic Neuritis “That fundus looks normal to me”
Robert J Dole VAMC (Wichita)- Dr. Michelle Dent
Annie Mosier Eslit Vitreomacular Traction
Stacey Canton Hoins Low Vision Rehabilitation for Macular Degeneration
Children’s Mercy Hospital- Dr. Tim Hug
Nalisha Kassam Accommodative Esotropia
UMSL Pediatrics- Dr. Aaron Franzel
Victoria Ray Visual Dyslexia
UMSL Contact Lenses- Dr. Julie DeKinder
Javeria Azhar Orthokeratology for Allergies
Dry Eye Research at the University of Missouri- St. Louis College of Optometry
Dry eye is a common disorder that affects approximately 6 million Americans. Although the condition is common, the knowledge base about the condition is lacking. To answer the call to this dearth of information about dry eye, Clinical Assistant Professor Dr. Edward Jarka has initiated a number of research studies designed to answer questions concerning the earliest signs, symptoms, and diagnostic processes of the earliest form of dry eye. Additional translational research studies are also underway that could potentially result in new treatment methods and devices.
To help Dr. Jarka answer the question concerning these early forms of dry eye, a number of students have been selected to design and coordinate their own research studies. Emily Heard (‘15), Amy Schaag (‘17), and Molly Gorder (‘17) are all actively involved in studies critical to answering some basic questions about dry eye. Emily Heard has completed a retrospective study of young dry eye patients with the goal of determining the primary contributing factors associated with dry eye. Her results are being analyzed and will be presented at an upcoming meeting in Kansas City.
Amy Schaag’s study is looking at a sign known as meibomian gland dropout (MGDO). MGDO is associated with a common form of dry eye known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and she is attempting to associate dropout with other signs, symptoms, and dietary patterns. Amy has almost completed subject enrollment and should have data analysis completed before the end of the academic year.
Molly Gorder’s study is looking at the diurnal variations of the current and new diagnostic methods of dry eye. Results of her study should show which of the many diagnostic tests are most reliable to diagnose the early form of dry eye. Students interested in dry eye research projects should contact Dr. Jarka.
Translational studies are those that could result in devices being licensed to companies that would market and distribute the inventions. Dr. Jarka has two translational projects in process. These projects could help with the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease in the future. Dr. Jarka has other translational projects that are at earlier stages of development.
The research projects are part of the goals of the Dry Eye Clinic that was established by Dr. Jarka in the spring of 2014. The Dry Eye Specialty clinic uses advanced diagnostic and treatment methods for patients who have been unresponsive to typical dry eye treatments.
Congratulations to Angela Emring who was recently recognized for five years of service to UMSL.