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Preferred Practice Patterns

Preferred Practice Patterns

Preferred Practice Patterns (PPPs) are designed to identify characteristics and components of quality eye care. Developed by a panel of experts (the Quality of Care and Knowledge Base Development Secretariat and the PPP Committee) and based on the best available scientific data, PPPs provide guidance for the pattern of practice, not for the care of a particular individual. Summary Benchmarks distill relevant recommendations for care from PPPs in an easy-to-use format.

To ensure all PPPs are current, each is valid for five years from the date of issue unless superseded by a revision. View the PPP Revision and Publication Schedule. Download the PDF versions of the PPPs listed below. Guidelines and Assessments are developed by the Academy without any external financial support.

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 Comprehensive Ophthalmology (4)  Ped Ophth/Strabismus (4)
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1-10 of 18 results.12Next »

Vision Rehabilitation for Adults PPP

Discusses evaluation of visual function, functional implications of vision impairment, and psychological status plus a comprehensive resource section and the SmartSight™ materials.
Date: October 2007
Source: AAO Vision Rehabilitation Committee
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (359k) | Buy Print Version

Pediatric Eye Evaluations PPP: Screening and Comprehensive Ophthalmic Evaluation

A thorough update of pediatric eye screening and comprehensive pediatric ophthalmic evaluation with tables of recommended ages and methods for pediatric eye screening and indications to refer a child for a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation.
Date: September 2007
Source: AAO Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (636k) | Buy Print Version

Refractive Errors & Refractive Surgery PPP

An evidence-based update on refractive management with surgery, glasses, and contact lenses, containing specific recommendations about refractive surgery patients including PRK, epi-LASIK, LASEK, LASIK, phakic IOLs, and refractive lens exchange.
Date: September 2007
Source: AAO Refractive Management/Intervention PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (1069k) | Buy Print Version

Esotropia and Exotropia PPP

Detailed recommendations for the initial strabismus evaluation and management options for esotropia and exotropia. Treatments discussed include correcting refractive errors, bifocals, prism therapy, amblyopia treatment, convergence exercises, and extraocular muscle surgery.
Date: September 2007
Source: AAO Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (508k) | Buy Print Version

Amblyopia PPP

Evidence-based update on the diagnosis and management of amblyopia with detailed recommendations for the initial amblyopia evaluation and management options of optical correction, occlusion, penalization, and surgery.
Date: September 2007
Source: AAO Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (594k) | Buy Print Version

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Evidence-based update with detailed recommendations for management of AMD including observation, antioxidant vitamins and minerals, thermal laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, and intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents.
Date: October 2006
Source: AAO Retina PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (2099k) | Buy Print Version

Cataract in the Adult Eye PPP

Discusses risk factors, visual function and quality of life issues, detailed recommendations for the initial evaluation with specific recommendations for biometry and IOL power calculation, and covers special situations such as cataract surgery following refractive surgery.
Date: September 2006
Source: AAO Cataract and Anterior Segment PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (1110k) | Buy Print Version

Conjunctivitis PPP

Recommendations for the initial evaluation of a patient with conjunctivitis and a discussion of associated or predisposing factors and the natural history of each type of conjunctivitis. Treatment recommendations are specific to each type of conjunctivitis.
Date: January 2006
Source: AAO Cornea/External Disease PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (588k) | Buy Print Version

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Suspect PPP

Evidence-based update of the diagnosis and management of primary open-angle glaucoma suspect with detailed recommendations for the initial evaluation and treatment options.
Date: September 2005
Source: AAO Glaucoma PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (844k) | Buy Print Version

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma PPP

Evidence-based update of the diagnosis and management of primary open-angle glaucoma with an algorithm for patient management and specific recommendations for adjustment of therapy.
Date: September 2005
Source: AAO Glaucoma PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (703k) | Buy Print Version
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