Advisor(s)
Tamara Oechslin
Committee Member(s)
Elizabeth Steele
Jillian Ziemanski
School
School of Optometry
Document Type
Thesis
Department (new version)
Vision Science
Date of Award
9-11-2025
Abstract
Some ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, have direct links to systemic diseases or the condition of the body as a whole. Specific diet and lifestyle changes have been studied in relation to these two diseases and, while it is not within the scope of optometry to prescribe these changes for patients, an optometrist may refer to a variety of specialists so that patients can receive the most holistic care available. The primary goal of this study is to assess the attitudes of currently practicing United States optometrists towards referring to nutrition and lifestyle professionals and their perceived barriers for doing so. This study also investigated the types of sources practitioners turn to when seeking guidance for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular edema. A Qualtrics questionnaire, sent out via email to alumni of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, collected data about practitioner demographics, their practices and patients, as well as information on the study aims. While most optometrists reported being comfortable, or better, in referring their patients to nutrition/lifestyle professionals, very few reported referring their patients or recommending nutrition/lifestyle changes to their patients. Respondents reported significant barriers to both recommending changes and referring including not having enough time and lack of access to the appropriate professionals. Future directions include addressing these barriers and creating tools to help optometrists refer their patients as needed to achieve the most holistic care possible.
ProQuest ID
Recommended Citation
Chapman, Samantha, "Attitudes Of Optometrists Towards Referring Patients For Nutrition And Lifestyle Changes To Treat Diabetic Retinopathy And Age-Related Macular Degeneration" (2025). All ETDs from UAB. 7433.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/7433
