Ordering Blood Work: Clinical Applications for the Primary-Care Optometrist

Vascular retinal pathology is frequency encountered in routine optometric care. As primary care providers, optometrists are in the unique position of being able to facilitate early detection and assist in subsequent management and treatment. This course will review retinal vascular anatomy to aid in the identification of different types of retinal hemorrhages. Furthermore, it will emphasize establishing differential diagnoses based on clinical presentation and discuss the appropriate blood work required to address possible underlying systemic disease. It will also provide a brief overview of other lab work related to the renal, hepatic, and pituitary system in the context of ocular disease.