173152 Physician attitudes, opinions, and preferred sources of information about vision and eye health: Results of a web-based survey

Monday, October 27, 2008: 8:50 AM

William Scarbrough, PhD , Macro International Inc., Calverton, MD
Neyal J. Ammary-Risch, MPH, CHES , National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Harry T. Kwon, PhD, MPH, CHES , Macro International Inc., Rockville, MD
Objective: To measure physician attitudes and opinions regarding eye health and to better understand facts regarding patient information and counseling concerning eye health and disease. Method: A web-based survey of primary care physicians and pediatricians about physician perceptions and attitudes concerning communication with patients. The National Eye Institute added questions to the 2007 DocStyles Survey to better understand physician attitudes about eye health. A total of 1,500 primary care physicians responded to the survey. Results: Results indicated that physicians have favorable attitudes regarding eye health and the role they should play in talking with patients about eye health. However, there appears to be room for improvement among physicians with regard to advising patients about eye health and their confidence in identifying patients at higher risk for eye disease. Just 51% of physicians agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that, “I have adequate knowledge to advise my patients on vision health,” and 58% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I can identify patients at higher risk for eye disease.” Regarding information sources, most physicians preferred to obtain information about vision and eye health from professional journals, medical websites, and CMEs. Conclusions/Implications: Findings from this research reveal an opportunity with regard to increasing physician confidence in identifying patients at higher risk for eye disease and advising their patients on eye health. Additional physician training may be needed.

Learning Objectives:
• Discuss physician attitudes and opinions regarding eye health and the role they should play in talking with patients about eye health. • Identify opportunities where physicians can better promote eye health and the appropriate receipt of eye care and examinations. • Articulate preferred sources of information for physicians about vision and eye health.

Keywords: Primary Care, Vision Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was the principal analyst and author for this study. I conducted the statistical analyses and developed the study report. I do NOT have a relevant personal financial relationship with a commercial entity that benefits me and that may ultimately bias the presentation of the content.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.