There is a strong correlation between eye diseases, vision loss and numerous chronic conditions widely recognized as public health issues, such as diabetes, which is a leading cause of blindness, says Mary “Araba” Otoo, OD, MPH, FAAO. Many eye diseases, including those related to chronic conditions, are insidious—they do not cause pain, vision changes, or announce themselves, meaning that if an individual waits for symptoms before seeking care, it might be too late.
In this podcast conversation, Dr. Otoo says that addressing eyecare on a population level begins with doctors doing their due diligence with each patient by educating them thoroughly, as compliance often follows understanding. This individual education, especially in small communities, effectively becomes a population-level solution. Furthermore, public health efforts should focus on taking health care to people through accessible information and addressing policy issues, such as access to services and the current lack of insurance coverage for low vision devices.
As Chair of the American Public Health Association Vision Care Section, Dr. Otoo is currently focused on internal affairs to make the small but mighty group more active, including hosting on-site screenings at public health meetings. Dr. Otoo urges people to join the section, which offers a space for connection, birthing ideas, research and education.
