After discussing treatment options with the provider, the patient states to the medical assistant that they have additional concerns before proceeding. Which of following actions should the assistant take?

A. Biannually: Biannual exams may not be frequent enough to monitor for diabetic retinopathy or other eye complications associated with diabetes. Annual exams are recommended.

B. Every 5 years: Waiting 5 years between exams is too long, as eye complications from diabetes can develop rapidly.

C. Annually: Annual dilated eye exams are recommended for patients with diabetes mellitus to monitor for diabetic retinopathy and other complications, allowing for early detection and treatment.

D. Every 10 years: A 10-year interval is far too long and could result in the progression of untreated eye disease, which could lead to blindness

A. Stand 25 feet from the Snellen chart. The standard distance for testing visual acuity with a Snellen chart is 20 feet, not 25 feet. Testing at 25 feet would not provide accurate results.
B. Allow them to squint if necessary. Squinting can artificially improve vision, leading to inaccurate results. The patient should be instructed to avoid squinting during the test.
C. Keep both eyes open while using the occluder. The patient should use the occluder to cover one eye but keep both eyes open during the test. This ensures that each eye is tested individually without any pressure or distortion from closing the other eye.
D. Start with the bottom line of the Snellen chart and work upward. The patient should start from the top of the Snellen chart and work downward. Starting from the bottom would likely result in frustration and inaccurate assessment as the lines become increasingly difficult.