Table 4
Seven practical steps for ophthalmologists to integrate into practice
| (1) Understand the meaning patients ascribe to their diagnosis |
| (2) Recognise and acknowledge the manifestations of an unresolved identity (concealing RP, avoiding adaptive change) |
| (3) Normalise any personal identity conflict patients express by (anonymously) sharing similar conflicts experienced by other patients, for example |
| (4) Help patients weigh the advantages and disadvantages of behaviour and lifestyle changes |
| (5) Tailor their dialogue and recommendations to patients’ functional and psychological readiness for change |
| (6) Acknowledge patients’ progress |
| (7) Provide guidance and supportive resources in anticipation of this suffering in order to facilitate smooth and adaptive transitions. |
