Insights Into Eye Care Accessibility: Geospatial Distribution of Eye Care Providers and Socioeconomic Factors by ZIP...

In the United States, the ZIP Code has long been used to collect geospatial data revealing disparities in social determinants of health. This cross-sectional study examines the distribution of eye care access in association with local socioeconomic factors at a ZIP Code level.

Data from the 2020 Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services and American Community Survey were used to examine locations of 47,949 providers (17,631 ophthalmologists and 30,318 optometrists) and corresponding local socioeconomic variables (education, employment, and income). Multivariable zero-inflated negative binomial regression was used to model eye care provider count per capita in each ZIP Code area with socioeconomic factors as independent covariates.

For every 1% increase in percentage of population over 25 years with a bachelor's degree or higher, the expected number of providers increases by 4.4% (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.044; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.041-1.046; P < 0.001). For every 1% increase in percentage unemployment, the expected number of providers decreases by 2.7% (IRR = 0.973; 95% CI, 0.964-0.983; P < 0.001). However, for every $1000 increase in median household income, the expected number of providers decreases by 1.6% (IRR = 0.984; 95% CI, 0.983-0.986; P < 0.001).

Disparities in access exist in areas of lower employment and educational attainment, as both have positive correlations with eye care provider access. Conversely, areas of greater median household income have lower access to providers.

This research contributes to a greater field studying social determinants of health and may inform public health strategies on allocation of providers to improve equitable access to vision care.