A Person-Centered Approach in Ophthalmology: Optimizing Glaucoma Care

Abstract

Person-centered medicine is a programmatic and collaborative initiative that positions the patient as a whole person at the focal point of health and healthcare. Its primary objectives are committed to improving the overall well-being of each individual, addressing both the challenges of disease and the positive dimensions of health. It signifies a paradigmatic effort aimed at redirecting the emphasis from disease to the patient and the person, bridging connections between the realms of science and humanism. Significant advances in the understanding of modern medicine underscore the importance of recognizing patients’ needs, a trend observed not only in general medicine but also in the field of ophthalmology. Glaucoma, being one of the primary causes of global blindness, represents a central focus in current research on patient-centered care in ophthalmology. Person-centered medicine presents substantial opportunities to enhance the care of glaucoma patients by facilitating collaborative treatment decision-making and improving medication adherence through a more engaged clinician-patient relationship. Despite these potential benefits, the current body of research on person-centered medicine in ophthalmology, particularly in the context of glaucoma, is limited. This scarcity of studies underscores the urgent need for further research and a more comprehensive understanding of how person-centered approaches can positively impact the care and outcomes of patients with glaucoma.