Dr. Rachel Brackley, OD, FAAO, associate professor at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Drexel University in Elkins Park (Cheltenham Township), provided tips on recognizing trafficking in clinical practice in a recent article by optometrytimes.com.

Dr. Brackley said that health care professionals are often the first people to recognize the signs of trafficking and that 13% of victims seek eye care.

“Physical indicators of abuse can include delayed care and inconsistent health records, workplace injuries, suspicious branding or tattoos, bruising in various stages of healing, multiple pregnancies or abortions, respiratory problems, perforated eardrums, or burns,” the article said.

It continues:

In addition, the victim may be accompanied by the trafficker, who speaks for the victim, watches the examination closely, and tries to rush the examination.

The indications of human trafficking may be characterized by the patient providing little information about themselves, fearfulness, gaps and inconsistencies in the medical history, hesitation in response to questions, unawareness of the time and date, depression symptoms, and refusal of care.

Brackley advised that optometrists develop a plan in their practice to identify and report suspected cases.

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Photo: Salus University