Optometric trends in sports vision: knowledge, utilization, and practitioner role expansion potential

The optometric discipline of sports vision is a relatively young and actively growing area which has spurred the interest of optometrists and sports organizations at the high school, college, and professional levels.

473 optometrists were surveyed and compared to a similar survey sent to 100 optometrists in 1980 and 1983. Also, college and professional teams were surveyed.

Optometrists felt there were more opportunities available in sports vision. Contact lenses, particularly soft lenses, were found to be continued in favor over rigid lenses, and nearly half surveyed have utilized vision training in their practices. College and professional sports suggest a broader acceptance and utilization of sports vision services.

Since the establishment of the American Optometric Association Sports Vision Section (AOA-SVS) fourteen years ago, advances have been made in utilization and acceptance of sports vision worldwide. However, this survey demonstrates that despite the increase of vision care consultants, there is still an unmet need for vision care/screening services at the collegiate and professional levels.