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Referral patterns of primary care physicians for eye care
E R Ettinger1, M D Schwartz, A L Kalet
1State University of New York, State College of Optometry, New York 10010.
Journal of the American Optometric Association
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Primary care physicians rarely refer patients for eye care, even those with diabetes or hypertension. Referrals focus on acute issues, missing opportunities for routine vision monitoring and early detection of eye conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Primary Care Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited data exists on primary care physician (PCP) referral rates for eye care.
- This study assesses PCP adherence to professional eye care guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the frequency and patterns of eye care referrals by primary care physicians.
- To determine if PCPs follow established guidelines for referring patients for eye examinations.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 48 patients aged over 40 years was conducted.
- Data was collected from patients seen in a single day at a metropolitan hospital's Primary Care Department.
Main Results:
- Only 12.5% of patients were referred for eye care; 8% of diabetics and 13% of hypertensive patients were referred.
- Referrals were predominantly for acute problems, not routine monitoring of ocular conditions associated with diabetes or hypertension.
- Less than 33.3% of patients had documented ocular assessments, ophthalmoscopy, or glaucoma testing within the year.
Conclusions:
- PCP eye care referrals are primarily driven by acute, symptomatic issues, not proactive monitoring.
- Current referral patterns do not adequately reflect the importance of routine eye care for managing chronic conditions.
- There is a significant gap in routine vision care and eye assessments within primary care settings.