Research Into Blast Injury Treatment Key to VCE Success
David Cline
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Vision Center of Excellence
March 05, 2010
A search for prevention and treatment of injuries from explosive war zone blasts is at the top of the list for Col. Donald Gagliano, executive director of the DoD/VA Vision Center of Excellence (VCE).
Speaking at the American Optometric Advocacy Conference March 3, 2010, in Washington, D.C., Gagliano said progress is being made in the study of blast injuries, and while there remains much work ahead, he credited the AOA for their efforts.
“We still do not have a really good idea how to prevent and treat blast-related injuries,” Gagliano said. “Right now, rehabilitation is the primary focus, and there has been a significant decrease in eye trauma thanks to the work of Dave Hilber and other AOA members.” Hilber, a Bel Air, Md., doctor of optometry, recently conducted an Army-wide survey regarding the use, awareness, and effectiveness of eye protection.
Gagliano discussed the VCE at length, calling it a unique and unprecedented effort to find the best approach for the most effective and efficient vision care to service members and veterans.
“This is all about demonstrating appropriate leadership with evidence-based medicine,” Gagliano said. “By combining VA and DoD resources, we have the largest vision care capability in the world, but the systems we have in place right now just aren’t working very well.”
Significant research has been spent reviewing paper-based data and making it computable. Gagliano said that work will yield positive results, and will link all aspects of patient care together.
A constant focus of all parties involved has been the commitment to improving patient care, he said.
“Our goal is to connect all the dots in the process, from the point of injury to when the service member is re-integrated into society,” Gagliano said. “It is a change from observation to performance improvement on a daily basis.”
For more information, please visit: www.VisionCenterOfExcellence.org
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