Fear of being oversold spectacles is keeping those most in need of eyecare away from optical practices which is resulting in a lack of care for those who need it, Dr Chris Davey of Leeds University told delegates at this year National Optometric Conference.
Explaining the findings of research carried out by the Ophthalmic Public Health Group at Leeds University Dr Davey said a range of factors were in play, which together, had the effect of negatively impacting public eye health. He suggested the business model created, whereby spectacle sales subsidise professional care, was a factor and asked . 'The financial constraints placed that have been placed upon it; GOS is it contrary to sight loss prevention?'
'We have a paradox in eyecare. People value their sight but they don't look after it, sight testing if free but they [the public] still don't come.' Looking at the public health implications he said that the number of GOS tests was rising and the proportion of older people was growing faster than the population at large. This growth had been more than matched by the number of optometrists. Between 2003 and 2013 the number of optometrists grew by 41.1 per cent. ' There are lots of us [optometrists] around, he concluded.
Study groups of patients showed that people were not having eye exams for a number of reasons. Among the elderly those reasons included the fear of cost. They are worried about being oversold. The perception is that there's a hard sell. The older focus groups also expressed uncertainty about the eye exam. ' There is confusion among older patients about getting it right, under standing what they are being asked.' The younger groups saw opticians as glasses shops. There was also a geographical factor of 15 mins travel people were prepared to make to access services.
A study of 17,000 GOS forms, described by Dr Davey, showed 'deserts' of eye care in poorer areas of Leeds and Bradford based on the likelihood of attending an eye exam. The under 16s were 23 per cent less likely to attend and the over 60s 71 per cent less likely to use GOS services.