Optometric practice patterns: British Columbia

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Optometry Practice Management
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• A government task force in British Columbia investigated vision care delivery.
• Current optometry practice patterns were examined to inform system development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a coordinated vision care system in British Columbia.
• To understand optometrist practice patterns, including time allocation and community involvement.

Main Methods:

• A province-wide questionnaire survey of all optometrists.
• Achieved an 84% response rate with representative regional distribution.

Main Results:

• Data collected on professional time allocation, use of assistants, community engagement, and satellite practices.
• Findings were compared with other studies to infer workload and time efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Political and other factors require rationalization for optimal optometrist expertise utilization.
• Recommendations for a coordinated vision care system integrating optometrist expertise were made.