GRAND FORKS — Altru Health System’s decision to no longer provide eye-care services after July 31 is causing consternation among some patients.
David Nelson said he is “very disappointed” after being advised by Altru’s Eye Department that he and others need to find another healthcare provider.
The health system recently announced it will close the department, located in the South Washington Medical Park, 4440 S. Washington St., provides ophthalmology and optometry services.
“I’m very very disappointed and surprised,” said Nelson, Grand Forks, who’s been an Altru patient for about eight years. “I’m surprised, given the size of this town and the Air Force base, that (the department) would be terminated.”
He said that whenever he visited the department, “there were always people in the waiting room. It seemed like the business was good.”
In response to a Grand Forks Herald inquiry, Altru said “we made the decision to close our eye department following careful evaluation of our services and patient volumes. This was a decision we didn’t take lightly. Our priority is ensuring patients continue to have consistent access to care, and we are actively supporting those who need help transitioning to another provider in the community. …
“While decisions to adjust services are difficult, they are something necessary as healthcare continues to evolve and grow more complex.”
Nelson, 80, has “a macular eye condition which is very serious” and “somewhat common” among the elderly.
He has been pleased with the care he’s received at Altru, he said.
“I’ve had excellent treatment,” he said. “In the reviews they send out after each appointment ranking patient satisfaction, I’ve given them all ‘excellent’ every time. I have commended them for providing excellent care. I’ve highly praised the (eye) department.”
Nelson has called around, but hasn’t found another provider who offers the specialized care he needs. He plans to see an optometrist in the community, but if any procedure beyond what that doctor can conduct is necessary, he’ll have to seek care in Fargo, he said.
In a letter to the Herald, published Wednesday, July 22, another patient expressed disappointment.
“I was deeply disappointed at the recent announcement from Altru Health System that they will be closing their Ophthalmology Department,” wrote George LaPray, who added that “since diseases of the eye are most often associated with aging, I am confident that Altru’s eye department patient base is principally made up of seniors like myself.”
Altru’s Eye Department provides specialized services, including optometry, ophthalmology, selective laser trabeculoplasty, laser floater treatment, macular degeneration treatment and cataract surgery, according to its website. Laser trabeculoplasty is used to lower pressure in the eye in certain patients with glaucoma.
Altru is the only provider of laser floater treatment in eastern North Dakota, its website states.
In a May 14 letter, Altru advised patients to begin establishing care with a new provider before the end of July, to avoid interruption in treatment or services. Staff members can help in transferring medical records and coordinating any information needed for the new eye-care provider. Call (701) 780-6400 or 800-437-5373, ext. 6400, for assistance.
Pamela Knudson is a features and arts/entertainment writer for the Grand Forks Herald.
She has worked for the Herald since 2011 and has covered a wide variety of topics, including the latest performances in the region and health topics.
Pamela can be reached at pknudson@gfherald.com or (701) 780-1107.