Authors: Justin Chipperfield (Registered Physiotherapist), Dr. Terynn Chan (Doctor of Optometry)

In recent years, we've witnessed a seismic shift in how healthcare is delivered, with convenience, accessibility, and personalized care becoming the new norm. Mobile healthcare services are at the forefront of this change, bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and patients, regardless of physical, social, and geographical constraints. As a leading mobile physiotherapy service, we've been fortunate to collaborate with Mobile Eyes Optometry – a prominent mobile optometry company in Vancouver, working in unison to provide comprehensive patient-centric care.

The Importance of Mobile Healthcare

Access to healthcare is essential to our daily lives but walking into a healthcare clinic can be a challenge for individuals who have mobility issues.  Many individuals may not have family or friends to help them get access to transportation services.  Others may be bed-ridden, dealing with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or the aftermath of a stroke.  Injuries such as those to the spinal cord may also prevent individuals from leaving their home.  Mobile healthcare has proven to be a game changer in bringing essential health services to the patient’s doorstep, overcoming traditional barriers of time and distance.

Moreover, mobile healthcare can significantly help in managing chronic conditions, as it allows for continuous, personalized care tailored to the patient's specific needs. This is where mobile optometry and physiotherapy have carved their niche, offering services that not only cater to immediate healthcare needs but also contribute to long-term wellness.

Not only do mobile services offer patient centered healthcare in the comfort and convenience of one’s home, but there’s also been an increasing need for these services for seniors in long term care homes.  In the past year alone, Mobile Eyes Optometry has helped to provide eye exams and glasses to residents in over 70 different care homes across the Greater Vancouver area. Chipperfield Mobile Physiotherapy has also seen a 150% increase since 2019 for the demand of In-Home Rehabilitation services in care homes!

The Intersection of Mobile Optometry and Physiotherapy

It may not be immediately apparent, but optometry and physiotherapy share a considerable intersection. Vision problems can directly impact balance, coordination, and mobility - aspects that physiotherapy aims to improve. Conversely, movement of the body can help to promote eye health by increasing blood flow to the blood vessels of the eyes. Physical activity has been shown to help keep diabetes under control, which reduces the risk of diabetic retinopathy – a common eye disease which is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness in adults.  By integrating mobile optometry with physiotherapy, we can provide a more comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both visual and physical health, leading to better patient outcomes!

Advancements in Mobile Optometry and Physiotherapy

Technology has been a driving force in the evolution of mobile healthcare services. It has enabled the creation of portable, high-quality equipment that allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment in a home-setting.

In physiotherapy, advancements such as portable ultrasound machines and range-of-motion tracking technology allows us to provide engaging, effective treatments. Tele-rehabilitation has also been a crucial development, offering real-time physiotherapy sessions via digital platforms.

Mobile optometry, too, has seen substantial tech-driven advancements, enabling eye-care professionals to conduct comprehensive eye exams outside of a traditional optometry clinic.  At Mobile Eyes Optometry, portable equipment such as those that check eye pressure and eye glass prescriptions allow optometrists to get the most accurate information to maintain eye health, improve vision, and/or diagnose disease. Not only do the optometrists bring the equipment, but they also bring different eye glass frames for patients to choose from should they require new glasses.

Real-Life Examples

Many older patients often trip and fall or walk into walls due to balance issues, muscular weakness, cataracts, or vision loss from diseases such as a stroke.  By integrating our services, we can provide a combined regimen of targeted physiotherapy exercises and vision correction. This collaborative effort can lead to a significant improvement in a patient’s vision, balance, and mobility, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life.  A testament to the effectiveness of our collaborative approach is our ongoing partnership with Sunrise Senior Living, a local retirement community. Recognizing the need for comprehensive health services that cater to the unique needs of their residents, Sunrise Senior Living sought the collaboration of Mobile Eyes and Chipperfield Mobile Physiotherapy.

Patient-Centric Care: The Future of Healthcare

The essence of mobile healthcare lies in its patient-centric approach. It's about bringing personalized care to patients, making health services more accessible, and ultimately, improving the quality of life.

The combination of mobile optometry and physiotherapy presents a model of holistic care where the focus shifts from merely treating conditions to comprehensive health promotion. By addressing interconnected health aspects, we can work towards improving overall well-being, paving the way for the future of healthcare.

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