Chronic Disease Health Statistics Inspires Advances in Vision Care and Interoperability
Vision Source launches exclusive nationwide ocular monitoring network My Treatment Monitor
KINGWOOD, Texas (May 4, 2018) – The National Center for Health Statistics, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that approximately 133 million Americans are affected by incurable and ongoing chronic disease¹. Estimates predict that by 2020 over 157 million Americans will be living with more than one chronic disorder². Many of these chronic diseases, and their treatments, can affect the health of the eye. In response, North America’s largest independent optometric alliance, Vision Source®, announced today that it will launch My Treatment MonitorTM in June 2018.
My Treatment Monitor is the only national optometric network developed to improve patient care outcomes for people living with and taking medications for chronic diseases – including diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, hyperlipidemia, and Alzheimer’s. Various patient care programs dealing with chronic disease include prescribing medication for treatment. Through My Treatment Monitor, Vision Source optometrists will lead the process of monitoring patients taking medications to treat chronic disease with possible ocular side effects.
Vision Source President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Greenwood commented, “Vision Source is proud to be at the forefront of advanced chronic disease treatment by launching My Treatment Monitor. Chronic diseases can directly affect a patient’s eye health and vision. Through the development of My Treatment Monitor, we further our commitment to providing the best treatment, monitoring, and prevention plans for patients managing a chronic disease.”
Optometrists within the My Treatment Monitor network, will provide comprehensive medical examinations for patients with a chronic disease diagnosis as a pre-existing condition. After a drug to treat chronic disease is prescribed, doctors will ensure their patients are examined to establish that no pre-existing conditions affect the patient’s safety. Vision Source providers will also monitor patients on treatment medications to ensure patient safety continues.
“With the launch of My Treatment Monitor, Vision Source is the only network in the United States to provide system-wide collaborative eye health and vision care in support of physicians providing care and treatment for patients with chronic disease,” says Vision Source VP and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Paul Williams. “As an alliance, Vision Source has worked to improve patient outcomes by collaborating with accountable care organizations, integrated networks, and health plans across North America. By introducing My Treatment Monitor to the healthcare community, we have extended our ability to effectively ensure quality and safety for patients with chronic disease, close care gaps, and further improve patient outcomes.”
¹ Source: National Center for Health Statistics, Summary Health Statistics for the U.S. Population: National Health Interview Survey: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_259.pdf
² Source: The Lancet, Tackling The Burden of Chronic Diseases in the USA: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(09)60048-9/fulltext
About Vision Source
Founded in 1991, Vision Source is North America’s largest network of independent optometrists consisting of over 4,600 optometrists. The clinicians in the Vision Source network enjoy access to newly evolving patient channels, including an expanding list of leading medical groups and integrated health systems with whom Vision Source optometrists collaborate. Additionally, members benefit from a wide range of innovative technologies, practice management tools, strategic marketing, and purchasing power. Leveraging these tools, the clinicians offer comprehensive eye care to their patients delivering an industry leading patient experience. For more information, call 888-558-2020 or visit www.visionsource.com.