Failure to Provide Timely Vision Services and Assistive Devices
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with multiple diagnoses, including polyneuropathy, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was not provided with necessary vision care services. The resident, who was severely cognitively impaired and had moderately impaired vision requiring corrective lenses, had a documented need for optometry follow-up and replacement glasses after their glasses were broken. The last recorded optometry consult was in May 2023, with a follow-up scheduled for November 2023, and a note in December 2023 indicated the need for a visit due to broken glasses. However, there was no documented evidence that the resident was seen by the optometrist after the initial visit or that new glasses were provided. An email from the optometry service confirmed that the resident was not seen following the May 2023 appointment. During an interview, the DON was unaware of the issue and acknowledged that the resident should have had a follow-up appointment and received new glasses. The lack of documented follow-up and provision of assistive devices resulted in the facility failing to ensure the resident received proper treatment and assistive devices to maintain vision, as required by regulation.