1. ARAVIND EYE CARE SYSTEM Aravind Eye Hospital & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology ARAVIND EYE CARE SYSTEM Aravind Eye Hospital & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELLING Role of counsellor in camps

2.  In the camp at the final stage of examination the patients are guided to counselling area for persuading them to follow doctors advice  The counsellor who attends the camp has the following responsibilities  Collect the patients after final examinations, to counselling area with the help of a volunteer  Refer to the details of diagnosis made and what the doctor has advised to improve vision  Interact with patients and build up a trust on counselling Cont… Role of counsellor in school eye screening camps

3.  Explain the nature of eye problems and kind of action should be taken  Clarify the doubts regarding treatment  Explain the need for spectacles to correct the refractive errors  Educate the patients about cataract, duration and method of surgery, benefit of intraocular lens and future benefits  Get the consent from the patients or relative for surgery  Ensure that the patients with cataract are admitted for surgery Cont…

4.   Enquire about history of any systemic illness such as hypertension, cardiac problems, diabetes inpatients admitted for surgery   To motivate such patients to obtain fitness certificate from a physician for surgery   To ensure that an attendant accompanies them   Councel the patients to come to base hospital if they require any specially treatment   Explain the likely consequences if not undergoing treatment in the base hospital for specially problems   Follow up the referred patients for special treatment

5. In depth counselling at the campsite focuses on  The details of diagnosis  Cause of blindness  Curative method  Need for surgery in case of cataract  Details of treatment or surgery at the base hospital  Pre-operative and post-operative instructions  Health education on primary eye care

6. Counselling in diabetic retinopathy Screening camp New Diabetic patient: In new diabetic the counsellor should create awareness of the systemic and ocular complications of diabetic to newly diagnosed patients with special emphasis on the prospects of diabetic retinopathy She should consell them regarding  Cont…

7.  Strict control of diabetes   Regular annual check up by the eye doctor   Periodical check up by their own Physician   The aim of counselling in the patients is to prevent onset of visual damage due to diabetic retinopathy. Cont….

8. Long standing diabetic patients  In longstanding diabetic patients when there is an evidence of diabetic retinopathy, depending upon the stage and doctors advise, the counsellors should explain the patient very clearly about their visual condition and convince the patient for taking treatment like lasers etc  The prognosis of visual recovery should be discussed, in detail with the patient in a positive way

9.  In conclusion the counsellor should motivate all the new to prevent the onset of diabetic retinopathy and longstanding diabetes  She should take the responsibility of making all these patients to accept treatment for retaining there residual vision through out their life