[nfbwatlk] eye exams for doctors

[Frederick Driver]

I wonder if this policy will improperly impact qualified blind MD's.

Naturally, if, and that's a big if, which I am not qualified to answer,
but if there exists no non-visual method for properly reading x-rays, then
those charged with reading x-rays must have sufficient visual acuity to do
so.

But this policy seems to be painting a very specific situation with a very
broad brush.

Because physicians who read mammography x-rays need adequate vision, then
we're going to make all physicians pass an eye exam?  That doesn't
compute.  Where would that leave Dr. Stracks.  And where would that have
left Dr. Bolotin?

Rick

[article]

Elderly Quebec doctors may face mandatory eye exams

109 misread breast cancer screenings at the centre of the consideration

    By Aaron Derfel, Postmedia News March 28, 2012

Quebec's College of Physicians is considering making eye exams mandatory
for
physicians who are at least 70 years old following its report that a
Laval,
Que., radiologist missed breast cancer in 109 patients during mammography
screening, the Montreal Gazette has learned.

   MONTREAL - Quebec's College of Physicians is considering making eye
   exams mandatory for physicians who are at least 70 years old following
   its report that a Laval, Que., radiologist missed breast cancer in 109
   patients during mammography screening, the Montreal Gazette has
   learned.

   "We are evaluating the possibility of having older physicians do eye
   exams," Dr. Charles Bernard said. "And it's not just for eyesight.
   It's for hearing, too. Doctors have to hear well, too."

   On Tuesday, the college revealed that 77-year-old Dr. Raymond
   Bergeron, now retired, had misread mammography X-rays at a rate that
   is more than five times the acceptable provincial norm.

   The college did not specifically address whether poor eyesight might
   have played a role in Bergeron's failure to detect cancer tumours.

In its 79-page report, however, the college recommends the
   "development of an evaluation mechanism for the physical and cognitive
   capabilities" of doctors "of a certain age."

   In an interview, Bernard said that recommendation could mean periodic
   eye examinations for older physicians who admit to problems with their
   vision in a detailed questionnaire they must fill out every two years.

   In fact, Bernard launched such a questionnaire a year ago amid
   criticism by some physicians that the college was acting in an ageist
   manner. He denied that and said he is only seeking to uphold high
   standards for physicians while protecting the public.

   The questionnaire does not require mandatory eye exams, and that's
   something that could be added, he said.

   The college has also implemented a system of inspecting the practice
   of physicians with at least 35 years experience. But those inspections
   take place once every five years for each physician in that category.

   Bernard noted more than 1,000 physicians in Quebec are at least 70
   years old. That's about 6.7 per cent of a total physician workforce of
   more than 17,000. By comparison, 6.2 per cent of doctors in Ontario
   are at least 70, and nationally, it's 5.4 per cent.

   The Association des radiologistes du Quebec says about 10 per cent of
   its members are at least 70.

   Dr. Frederic Desjardins, president of the association, declined to
   comment on the college's recommendation.

   However, at a news conference Tuesday following the release of the
   college's report, Desjardins expressed concern about the tendency of
   some older doctors to work alone. He suggested that older radiologists
   should practise as part of a team.

   He emphasized the difficulty in reading X-rays, agreeing that it's
   like picking out snowflake in a snowstorm, because some breast tumours
   can be as small as three millimetres.

Bernard noted that airline pilots must undergo periodic eye exams. And
   the Societe de l'assurance automobile du Quebec requires drivers who
   are at least 75 years old to undergo eye exams.

   Bernard said he wasn't aware of all of the specifics of the
   radiologist who was investigated by the college.

   "I don't know about his eyesight, but we do know is that he was
   overloaded. He read a lot of X-rays in a year."

   The Gazette attempted to contact Bergeron by phone at his home.
   Bergeron's wife answered, but said her husband did not want to speak
   to reporters.

   "How do you think he feels?" she said. "He had been a doctor for 50
   years, and did a lot of good things during that time."

   The college has also made other recommendations to improve the
   accuracy of mammography screening, including requiring that all
radiology clinics switch from film to digital X-rays, as well as the
   double reading of X-rays in certain cases.

   Montreal Gazette

SOURCE:
http://www.vancouversun.com/Elderly+Quebec+doctors+face+mandatory+exams/6376298/story.html