Mom is virtually housebound and declining. She is currently in the hospital. She has been taking Timelol Maleate eye drops 2x a day for the last 5 years. She was last seen almost 2 years ago. Every time she goes, her eyes are stable, she also has dry AMD. Her Rx has not changed in all this time but the Dr will not refill her drops without her being seen. It’s a hardship getting there and getting worse. Now she is in the hospital and they are giving her Rx 1x day . I know Dr’s want to see patients for refills, but can there be exceptions hot housebound patients in situations like this. She reports her vision is getting worse since not getting the drops.
If it is for high pressure, it is similar to having high blood pressure. The pressure can go up during times of stress. That happened to me, went to the specialist for a routine exam for my mac-D and the pressure was quite high. Learned then it was stress related and sure enough it was during a time when our cat was having surgery. Was re-tested a week later, the pressure was back to normal.
Eye specialist really need to see the patient in their office due to all the specialized machinery that is used, it is very important to be tested. I know taking my parents to see the eye specialist wasn't easy as they became older, but it had to be done.
Another possibility to look into - I'm not sure if this is done, but maybe there are some optometrists who make home visits? There are dentists who do at home care, so maybe some optometrists might too? I know that for certain drops, it does not necessarily have to be the MD writing the prescription, maybe optometrist level might work?
Doctors will not and cannot continue to give medications.
Dry AMD can move to wet very quickly and they are treated differently.
As suggested see if Moms Dr has privileges at this hospital or do they have one on staff.
If she has been using the eye medication I am wondering if they have been giving it to her while she is in the hospital.