title: An optometric quality assurance program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To be accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO), a health care facility must have an ongoing quality assurance program.
  
  
  METHODS
  In accordance with JCAHO Guidelines the Optometry Section at the Cleveland Veterans Administration Medical Center developed such a program as part of the Medical Center's hospital-wide ongoing quality assurance plan.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The methodology used to develop a quality assurance program is outlined. A discussion of how specific clinical indicators are used to monitor performance and/or patient outcomes is presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After the quality assurance monitoring period is completed the data is analyzed; if the outcome is unacceptable action must be taken to improve care. This dynamic process involves patient outcomes and enhances overall care.
authors.affiliation: VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106.
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Rich
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Yaniglos
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Daniel
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Halabis
mesh_terms: D005901:Glaucoma / Q000628:therapy; D006068:Gonioscopy; D006801:Humans; D009820:Ohio; D009907:Optometry / Q000592:standards*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs; D014794:Visual Fields