Assessment and education of the diabetic with vision loss.

An educational program is essential for patients whose diabetes is complicated by significant visual loss. Nurses have a unique opportunity to assess the patient's learning needs and to provide pertinent educational experiences for the patient. A check off educational assessment tool can provide a quick survey of patient teaching and discharge needs. A patient teaching record can be utilized to document when and what is taught as well as patient response. A teaching packet can be designed that contains the purpose, teaching objectives, methods of teaching, and available resources for the patient. Appropriate tools will encourage staff involvement in patient teaching and documentation by making the process easier.