Vision care in New Zealand

This paper reports the results of a study into attitudes on vision care, vision care professionals and the utilisation of various ophthalmic aids and appliances in New Zealand. The majority (70%) of the 2000 persons questioned had received a visual examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and were either "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the treatment they obtained. Of those that had had a recent visual examination, ophthalmologists examined 22% and optometrists examined 72%. Three percent of the total sample (ie, 8% of ophthalmologists' patients) had received surgical or medical treatment at their last examination. Sixty-six percent reported that they did not have any of the visual or ocular problems listed. Of the remaining 34% who were currently having problems, 64% had not sought professional advice for that problem. Of the remainder that had sought some advice, approximately equal numbers had visited a general medical practitioner (11%) or optometrist (12%) and 5% had seen an ophthalmologist. For those without problems, 42% said they would visit their general medical practitioner and 41% said they would visit an optometrist if they were to develop any of the problems listed. For respondents that had either private medical insurance or would consider joining such a scheme, about 78% would prefer a policy with optometric benefits at the premiums quoted.