Failure to Arrange Vision Services for Resident with Declining Vision
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain necessary vision services for a resident with a history of stroke and diabetes, who was experiencing a continual decline in vision. According to the facility's policy, staff are responsible for assisting residents in locating resources, scheduling appointments, and arranging transportation for vision care. Documentation showed that the facility optometrist referred the resident to a retina specialist, but there was no evidence in the electronic health record that an appointment was scheduled or that the resident was seen by the specialist. The resident's care plan also indicated that staff would arrange a consultation with an eye care practitioner as required, but this was not carried out. The resident reported repeatedly asking the Social Service Director over a four-month period to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor due to worsening vision, but no appointment was made. The resident was observed wearing non-prescription reading glasses and stated they did not have prescription glasses. Both the Social Service Director and the Director of Nursing confirmed that no appointment had been scheduled for the resident to see an eye doctor, despite being aware of the resident's requests and ongoing vision concerns.