Caring Better for Patients Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

The good medical care I received kept me alive; the oxygen level in the incubator caused me to become blind. [...]she took my blood pressure, which wasn't as high as you might expect if you know how I react to being patronized. Because my previous appointment included a different medical assistant noting in my records that I needed help with dressing, bathing, and preparing meals, and then asking me if that was correct, I decided to share some tips for working with patients who are blind. [...]have the pharmacist put three rubber bands on a bottle of pills that should be taken three times a day. * Always read aloud what you write in the medical record. * Have all staff give their names and titles when entering the examination room, even if they have name tags. * Speak directly to the patient rather than asking the sighted person in the room, “Does he...?” * If the patient has a guide dog, ask before petting or greeting the animal. * Tell the patient what procedure you are about to do, and let him or her feel the equipment first if possible.