Eye Care in the United States

Abstract

To estimate the levels of self-reported access of eye care services in the nation.Methods: We analyzed data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (30 920 adults aged Ն18 years). We estimated the number of US adults at high risk for serious vision loss and assessed factors associated with the use of eye care services.Results: An estimated 61 million adults in the United States were at high risk for serious vision loss (they had diabetes, had vision or eye problems, or were aged Ն65 years); 42.0% of the 78 million adults who had dilated eye examinations in the past 12 months were among this group. Among the high-risk population, the probability of having a dilated eye examination increased with age, education, and income (PϽ.01). The probability of receiving an examination was higher for the insured, women, persons with diabetes, and those with vision or eye problems (PϽ.01). Approximately 5 million highrisk adults could not afford eyeglasses when needed; being female, having low income, not having insurance, and having vision or eye problems were each associated with such inability (PϽ.01). Conclusions:There is substantial inequity in access to eye care in the United States. Better targeting of resources and efforts toward people at high risk may help reduce these disparities.

Gaps in Receipt of Regular Eye Examinations among Medicare Beneficiaries Diagnosed with Diabetes or Chronic Eye Diseases

“…In contrast to earlier studies, 14, 31, 37, 38 we found little positive effect of educational attainment and income on regular receipt of eye exams. The reasons could be that educational attainment and income work through other channels, including higher cognitive function, better health, better awareness of signs and symptoms of poor health, and more comprehensive health insurance coverage, all of which were explicitly measured in this study.…”

Gaps in Receipt of Regular Eye Examinations among Medicare Beneficiaries Diagnosed with Diabetes or Chronic Eye Diseases

“…In contrast to earlier studies, 14, 31, 37, 38 we found little positive effect of educational attainment and income on regular receipt of eye exams. The reasons could be that educational attainment and income work through other channels, including higher cognitive function, better health, better awareness of signs and symptoms of poor health, and more comprehensive health insurance coverage, all of which were explicitly measured in this study.…”

Eye care utilization by older adults in low, middle, and high income countries

“…Men had lower rates of eye exams than women. This finding is consistent with other literature [5,6,17,19]. Also, those with lower education had lower rates of eye exams.…”

Trends in Eye Care Use and Eyeglasses Affordability

“…Zhang et al reported that individuals with vision insurance were more likely than those without vision insurance to use eye care services, consistent with our findings. However, they were less likely to afford eyeglasses when needed.…”

Gaps in Receipt of Regular Eye Examinations among Medicare Beneficiaries Diagnosed with Diabetes or Chronic Eye Diseases

“…In contrast to earlier studies, 14, 31, 37, 38 we found little positive effect of educational attainment and income on regular receipt of eye exams. The reasons could be that educational attainment and income work through other channels, including higher cognitive function, better health, better awareness of signs and symptoms of poor health, and more comprehensive health insurance coverage, all of which were explicitly measured in this study.…”

Eye care utilization by older adults in low, middle, and high income countries

“…Men had lower rates of eye exams than women. This finding is consistent with other literature [5,6,17,19]. Also, those with lower education had lower rates of eye exams.…”

Trends in Eye Care Use and Eyeglasses Affordability

“…Zhang et al reported that individuals with vision insurance were more likely than those without vision insurance to use eye care services, consistent with our findings. However, they were less likely to afford eyeglasses when needed.…”

Gaps in Receipt of Regular Eye Examinations among Medicare Beneficiaries Diagnosed with Diabetes or Chronic Eye Diseases

“…In contrast to earlier studies, 14, 31, 37, 38 we found little positive effect of educational attainment and income on regular receipt of eye exams. The reasons could be that educational attainment and income work through other channels, including higher cognitive function, better health, better awareness of signs and symptoms of poor health, and more comprehensive health insurance coverage, all of which were explicitly measured in this study.…”

Eye care utilization by older adults in low, middle, and high income countries

“…Men had lower rates of eye exams than women. This finding is consistent with other literature [5,6,17,19]. Also, those with lower education had lower rates of eye exams.…”

Trends in Eye Care Use and Eyeglasses Affordability

“…Zhang et al reported that individuals with vision insurance were more likely than those without vision insurance to use eye care services, consistent with our findings. However, they were less likely to afford eyeglasses when needed.…”