Document Type
Article
Source Publication Title
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
Abstract
Exercise is important for older adults in order to prevent falls and live safer, healthier lives. Visual impairment is a fall risk factor. Older adults tend to visit optometrists frequently; however, assessing patients’ physical exercise levels is not a routine practice for optometrists. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential for optometrists’ referrals to exercise programs. This study used a mixed-method, cross-sectional design. In focus groups, optometry patients (N = 42) discussed the acceptability of an optometrist’s prescription to exercise programs. The vast majority of optometry patients (90%) indicated that they would follow such a prescription for exercise from their optometrist. Texas optometrists (N = 268) were surveyed about the potential for exercise program prescriptions, and 97% indicated a willingness to prescribe exercise programs to their patients. Results suggest that there is an opportunity for community-clinical partnerships to prevent falls and improve the health of older patients.
Disciplines
Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Work
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Language
English
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Miyawaki, Christina E.; Mauldin, Rebecca L.; and Carman, Carolyn R., "The Potential of Optometrists Referring Older Patients to Community-Based Exercise Programs: Findings from a Mixed-Methods Study" (2018). Social Work Faculty Publications & Presentations. 73.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/socialwork_facpubs/73