209 - Current Controversies in Occupational Ophthalmology

Occupational ophthalmology deals with vision, and the eye disorders which may affect it, as well as the analysis of the impact on a worker's fitness for duty.ACOEM has identified specific clinical core competencies in ophthalmology, as follows: OEM physicians should have the clinical and administrative knowledge and skills to manage occupational eye injuries and oversee vision screening and protection programs. Core Knowledge and Skills - Perform ophthalmic examinations, including visual acuity and color/depth tests, assessment for foreign bodies or other abnormalities. - Recognize and treat, or refer to specialist as appropriate, occupational ophthalmic diseases and injuries. These may include infectious and irritant conjunctivitis, ultraviolet photokeratitis, ocular chemical exposures, and burns (including alkali, acid, and hydrofluoric acid). - Identify the need for specialized ophthalmologic evaluation. - Evaluate the impact of ophthalmic abnormalities in fitness for duty determinations

This session will concentrate on the performance of ophthalmic examinations and the impact of ophthalmic abnormalities in fitness for duty determinations.