EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK

Social Work Services

University Eye Center’s social workers are here to help you cope with whatever challenges you face. We are part of an inter-disciplinary team working with vision specialists and other health care professionals to provide the best possible care.

Social Work Services at University Eye Center include:

 Short-term individual and/or group counseling for adults, children, and families to enhance coping skills  Referral to community resources  Interdisciplinary collaboration  Patient advocacy with outside social systems such as medical and educational institutions  Patient and staff education Why am I being contacted by a social worker when I just wanted to set up an appointment with the low vision or head trauma service? Social workers contact all head trauma and low vision patients to obtain a complete history of the patient’s needs and present ing problems. In this way we can enable the optometrist to provide a more comprehensive exam, as well as identify any gaps in service, make referrals, and inform patients of services provided at UEC such as short-term counseling and support groups. Common Questions

Is counseling available only to Patients of the UEC?

No, the resources of the social work department are available to all members of the SUNY College of Optometry community including students, faculty, and staff.

Is there a cost associated with social work services?

No, Social work services are available without charge to any patient of the University Eye Center, as well as SUNY staff, faculty, and students.

29