Failure to Provide Timely Vision Care to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate and timely vision care to two residents. One resident, admitted with multiple diagnoses including dementia and psychiatric disorders, reported wearing glasses for distance vision prior to admission but had not seen an eye doctor since entering the facility. The resident was unable to locate her glasses and there was no evidence in her record of an optometry consult during her stay. Her guardian confirmed the resident was eligible for veteran's benefits and had previously requested staff assistance in accessing ancillary services, but no such services had been arranged. The Director of Nursing verified that the resident had not received optometry care since admission. Another resident, admitted with complex medical conditions including encephalopathy, HIV, malnutrition, and sensorineural hearing loss, was documented as having impaired vision and hearing. The resident was observed wearing broken glasses with only one lens and tape holding the frame together. Despite these issues, the resident was not included on the list for vision appointments, and staff interviews confirmed the resident had not seen an eye doctor since admission. Staff were also unaware of the condition of the resident's glasses. These findings were based on observation, record review, and interviews, and affected two of three residents reviewed for vision care.