Canadian ophthalmologists and low vision: a national survey

It is estimated that by the year 2000 there will be a 36% increase in the number of people over 65 years of age compared with the number in 1977. Since visual impairment in developed countries is largely age related, the number of people who require low-vision services is rapidly increasing. A questionnaire survey was carried out to assess the extent of provision of low-vision services by ophthalmologists in Canada; 119 physicians (13%) responded. The results show that few ophthalmologists provide low-vision care. This situation warrants immediate attention.