Table 1.

InCHARGE^© curriculum

Key Components
Being InCHARGE© of your eye health
Understanding prevention
What is prevention and why it is advantageous to health
How a comprehensive eye exam can be a way to prevent eye problems
Common eye problems for older African Americans
Blurry vision (near-sightedness, far-sightedness, presbyopia, cataract)
Glaucoma
Diabetic Retinopathy
What does a comprehensive eye exam involve
Parts of the eye your doctor may discuss with you
What does “dilated” mean; why is it important to have your eyes dilated
The difference between a comprehensive eye exam and a vision screening
Why it's important to get a comprehensive eye exam every year
Being InCHARGE© of solving common challenges
How to find an eye doctor
What is an ophthalmologist; optometrist; optician
Resource list for eye doctors in your area.
Making and keeping the appointment
How to find transportation to the eye doctor
Transportation services in your area if you don't drive or family/friend can't take you
Covering the cost of your comprehensive eye exam
Medicare and Medicaid: What do they cover
If you don't have health insurance: a resource list for eye care services
Communicating with your doctor
Your rights as a patient
Being a good listener
If you have questions, ask them.
Before the doctor leaves the room …
Building trusting relationship with your doctor
Being InCHARGE© of your eye care future
Setting a goal to have a dilated comprehensive eye exam every year
Be InCHARGE©; Steps 1, 2, and 3
Making the commitment to your eye health