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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To ensure all PPPs are current, each is valid for five years from the date of issue unless superseded by a revision.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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Bacterial Keratitis - September 2008

An evidence-based update on the diagnosis and management of bacterial keratitis. It contains detailed recommendations for the initial evaluation of a patient with presumed bacterial keratitis, and for diagnostic tests and treatment.
Date: September 2008
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (722k) | Buy Print Version

Blepharitis - September 2008

Detailed recommendations for the initial evaluation of a patient with presumed blepharitis, and for diagnostic tests and treatment.
Date: September 2008
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (789k) | Buy Print Version

Diabetic Retinopathy - September 2008

Detailed evidence-based recommendations for treatment by stage of retinopathy with and without macular edema and contains an extensive discussion of prevention and early detection of diabetic retinopathy.
Date: September 2008
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (1172k) | Buy Print Version

Dry Eye Syndrome - September 2008

Detailed recommendations for the initial evaluation and treatment of a patient with dry eye and a detailed discussion of diagnostic tests.
Date: September 2008
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (1380k) | Buy Print Version

Conjunctivitis - September 2008

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: September 2008
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (574k) | Buy Print Version

Idiopathic Macular Hole - September 2008

Detailed recommendations for the initial evaluation and treatment of a patient with macular hole and a discussion of surgical techniques, outcomes and complications of surgery, and predictors of visual results. Treatment recommendations are provided specifically at each stage of macular hole.
Date: September 2008
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (797k) | Buy Print Version

Posterior Vitreous Detachment, Retinal Breaks, and Lattice Degeneration - September 2008

Evidence-based update on evaluating, diagnosing, and managing patients with precursors to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment such as PVD, retinal breaks, and lattice degeneration.
Date: September 2008
Source: AAO Retina/Vitreous PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (758k) | Buy Print Version

Age-Related Macular Degeneration - September 2008

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: September 2008
Source: AAO Retina/Vitreous PPP Panel
Subspecialty: 
Full Text  | PDF (810k) | Buy Print Version

Vision Rehabilitation for Adults - October 2007

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: Screening and Comprehensive Ophthalmic Evaluation - September 2007

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
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