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At least 811 records · Page 45Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Visual illusions? Beliefs and behaviours of presbyope clients in optometric practice.

Many clients in optometry practice have reported that they do not receive sufficient information from practitioners to make informed purchasing decisions for corrective spectacles. The aim of this study was to identify participants' attitudes and beliefs towards visiting an optician and purchasing spectacles, to compare clients' and practitioners' perceptions of purchasing decisions, and to examine clients' preferences for information and decision making. One hundred and fifty-eight presbyopes completed a questionnaire to examine attitudes and behaviours regarding visiting an optician. Thirty-four practitioners completed a questionnaire examining the purchasing recommendations they make to clients, and their perceptions of clients' purchasing decisions and information needs. Participants reported positive attitudes towards visiting an optician but required more information about their eyesight and about purchasing options. A discrepancy was found between client and practitioner perceptions of purchasing decisions and of involvement in the decision making process. Practitioners overestimated the importance of price to clients and underestimated the importance of their own recommendations on purchasing decisions. The findings of this study could be used to guide practitioners in their provision of information to clients.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1978

Prevalence of eye disease and number of ophthalmologists.

The incidence and prevalence of eye and vision system disorders indicate that the present growth rate of the number of ophthalmologists continues. The number of residency positions in ophthalmology in the United States should remain at about the present number. To assure that those persons having eye disease but not seeking appropriate care are given the opportunity for such care, appropriate guidelines for referral to and from other specialties and health care providers should be established. Suggestions for specific guidelines of referral optometry and ophthalmology are presented. Specific action should be taken by ophthalmology to encourage appropriate groups to implement mass screening methods and public education for eye disease.

Eye Diseases↗
PubMed1999

Management of diabetic retinopathy by Australian optometrists. Working Group on Evaluation of NHMRC Retinopathy Guideline Distribution. National Health and Medical Research Council.

PURPOSE: To describe current practices related to the management of diabetic retinopathy by Australian optometrists. SETTING AND METHODS: A two-page self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 504 Australian optometrists. The survey included questions about the practice (such as size and location); current practice with regard to management of patients with diabetic retinopathy; barriers to use of dilating drops; and a number of patient scenarios related to screening, follow-up and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were returned by 407 of the 473 eligible optometrists (86%). They had been practising optometry between 1 and 50 years (median 14). Of the 243 optometrists who provided details about the location of their practices, 145 (37%) had at least one of their practices in a rural area. The estimated percentage of patients with diagnosed diabetes ranged from 0.5 to 40% (median = 5.0%). Three-hundred and twenty-two optometrists (79%) reported that they would often or almost always ask new patients over the age of 40 whether they have diabetes. The majority of optometrists (n = 387, 95%) would often or almost always ask their new patients with diabetes about their control of blood glucose levels and the majority of optometrists (n = 330, 81%) would often or almost always tell their patients with diabetes about the importance of strict glucose control in delaying retinopathy. The most common barrier to dilated ophthalmoscopy was patients not wanting to be dilated, with 38.1% of optometrists reporting this to be a moderate or major barrier. The next most common barrier was fear of precipitating angle closure glaucoma; 17.1% of optometrists reported this to be a moderate or major barrier CONCLUSION: The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines for the management of diabetic retinopathy are timely in relation to the expressed desire of Australian optometrists to learn more about management of diabetic retinopathy These data will be used prospectively to assess changes in management of patients with diabetic retinopathy as a result of the release of the NHMRC guidelines.

Australia↗
PubMed2003

Citation analysis and journal impact factors in ophthalmology and vision science journals.

Citation analysis has evolved over the last 50 years as one parameter for assessing the quality of research published in scientific, technology and social science journals. This is based on the assumption that influential research is widely cited by other scientists and clinicians. With the advent of the Internet, Journal Citation Reports from the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI-JCR) have become widely available to individuals and institutions. In an increasingly competitive research environ-ment, aspects of citation analysis have been suggested as simple proxy, objective measures to evaluate the research quality of a journal, published articles, research institutions and even individual researchers. This review article provides an overview of citation analysis, including definitions, uses of these reports, and related controversies and potential abuses. As it has become the most commonly used indicator, there is a particular focus on the use of the Journal Impact Factor (JIF). This is a widely quoted measure indicating the frequency with which the average article published in a journal of interest will be quoted within a specified time frame that therefore allows approximate comparisons of journals within a particular field of interest. Given the relative paucity of information in this area, emphasis is placed on citation analysis within ophthalmology, in particular in regard to the 43 ophthal-mology, vision science and optometry journals that are listed in the ISI-JCR 2001 reports.

Bibliometrics↗
PubMed1999

Both coloured overlays and coloured lenses can improve reading fluency, but their optimal chromaticities differ.

Some individuals read more fluently when the text is coloured: i.e., when coloured sheets of plastic (overlays) are placed upon the page, or when coloured lenses are worn. Overlays provide a surface colour whereas lenses mimic a change in the colour of a light source. The neural mechanisms that underlie colour constancy ensure that the chromaticity of overlays and lenses is processed differently by the visual system. We investigated (1) the relationship between the optimal colours of overlays and lenses, and (2) how reading rate is affected by a particular colour in overlays and lenses. In 100 patients we noted (1) the overlay(s) chosen from among the 29 combinations of the 10 IOO Intuitive Overlays which sample chromaticity systematically and (2) the chromaticity co-ordinates of the lenses subsequently chosen using the intuitive Colorimeter, a device providing a light source that can be adjusted in hue, saturation and luminance independently. The relationship between the chromaticities of the overlays and the lenses showed considerable variation. In a second study, patients attending the Specific Learning Difficulties clinic at the Institute of Optometry, London, were given overlays to use for two months. Seventeen who derived benefit were examined using the Intuitive Colorimeter. Patients were asked to read aloud randomly ordered common words (Wilkins Rate of Reading Test): (1) with no colour, (2) with the chosen overlay, (3) with lenses matching the chosen overlay and (4) with lenses matching the Colorimeter setting. The aids increased reading rate significantly only in conditions (2) and (4). There was no significant improvement when lenses matching the overlay colour were used, and under this condition the reading rate was significantly poorer than in conditions (2) and (4). The colour of a lens will improve reading only if it is selected under conditions that mimic a change in the colour of a light source: coloured overlays give no clinically reliable guide to optimal lens colour.

Color↗
PubMed2002

Information within optometric practice: comprehension, preferences and implications.

The partnership approach to health care, in which patients take an active role in decision making, can potentially improve patient satisfaction and adherence to clinician recommendations. However, the process can be impeded by insufficient or poor-quality information provision. This study explored participants' understanding of, and requirements for, optometric information. Information leaflets were obtained from 12 optometry practices and four internet-based resources. Sixty-four patients/ clients participated in focus groups that explored: (1) their understanding of diagrams of visual function, (2) perceptions of good information, (3) information requirements and (4) perceptions of the effects of improved information. A theory-led thematic analysis identified three major themes within each of the four categories. The use of jargon and the inappropriate layout of diagrams and text impeded comprehension of the leaflets. High-quality information was defined as being written concisely with simple explanations and clear diagrams. There was also a preference for information to be relevant and applicable to the patient's own eye care needs. In addition, participants expressed a desire for both written and verbal information regarding eye examination procedures and interpretation of prescriptions. Advice regarding eye care was also requested. To facilitate a partnership approach and improve patient satisfaction, patients should be provided with jargon-free concisely written and clearly presented information. In addition to general information, patients would also benefit from personalised information regarding test results and eyecare regimes.

Humans↗
PubMed2000

Evaluating the effectiveness of a vision rehabilitation intervention using an objective and subjective measure of functional performance.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that vision rehabilitation using optometry, occupational therapy and social work services increases patients' functional ability and to assess whether involving families in the intervention results in more successful outcomes. METHODS: We conducted an outcome study of 97 patients new to the Vision Rehabilitation Service. Subjects were between the ages of 19 and 91 years, with a median age of 76. Their visual acuities were 20/100 or worse in the better eye, with 50% of the subjects having acuities worse than 20/200. Macular degeneration was the most prevalent diagnosis. Subjects were assigned to either an individually focused (n=48) or a family focused (n=49) intervention. The outcome measure was change in function, as assessed by speed and accuracy of performance (objective measure) and by the patients' self-reports of difficulty and dependency in performing daily activities (subjective measures). Data were collected before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Most patients had documented improvement after rehabilitation on both objective (p=.0001) and subjective (decreased dependency, p=.01) measures of function. The sample size did not provide adequate statistical power to show differences between family focused and individually focused interventions. CONCLUSIONS: This study documents significant improvement after vision rehabilitation for a predominantly elderly population. Patients in both family and individually focused interventions improved comparably.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1990

Concepts of quality of care: national survey of five self-regulating health professions in Canada.

Discussions of quality assurance mechanisms for health professions are increasing in Canada. In their roles of protecting the public from incompetent or unsafe health care, and enhancing the quality of care provided by practitioners, provincial licensing organizations are taking an interest in quality assurance programmes. The paper reports the results from a national survey of five self-regulating health professions (dentistry, medicine, nursing, optometry and pharmacy) in Canada. The study found two types of activities in place--a complaints programme and a routine audit programme. Both programmes use a similar approach to identifying poor performers within a health profession. The paper discusses the results of the study, the advantages and disadvantages of the approach used, and suggests a second approach to quality assurance which could be used in conjunction with current activities.

Canada↗
PubMed1975

Optometric prescribing patterns: a quality comparison of Medicaid and non-Medicaid practitioners.

This study analyzes five variables related to quality and utilization of optometric prescribing of eyeglasses. The practices of optometrists participating in the New York City Medicaid Program were compared with those not participating. The variables chosen for this study can be analyzed by computer and seem to have wide applicability for monitoring of optometry services. Significant differences were found in four of the five variables under review. Overall, non-Medicaid patients appear to be receiving higher quality optometric care and less unnecessary care. Many of these differences, however, depend on the setting of the practice-whether solo, group, or corporate. Of additional note, wide variations occurred in the patterns of practice for non-Medicaid, as well as Medicaid, optometrists.

Eyeglasses↗
PubMed1978

Implementation of the problem-oriented system in an optometric teaching clinic.

Problem-oriented records, performance audit, and a clinical index were implemented in the eye-care service of the Dorchester House Multi-Service Center, a neighborhood health center and teaching affiliate of the New England College of Optometry. We found that problem-oriented records facilitate communication and encourage logical thinking, that audit helps assure the quality of care and teaching, and that a clinical index provides a perspective on the overall performance of the eye-care service.

Community Health Centers↗
PubMed1979

Knowledge and use of eye care services by college and health professional students: implications for the profession.

A questionnaire survey of 1277 students in colleges of liberal arts, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, and podiatry was undertaken in an effort to determine their knowledge and use of vision care services. Students were asked to define the differences among optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians. Utilization, type of practitioner used, and site of examination are reported. About 56% had had an examination within the past year. Optometrists provided at least 40% of the examinations, but the confusion in the minds of the students is revealed by the fact that some said they were examined by opticians, some by the Department of Motor Vehicles, and some by a person they were not able to identify. Clearly, optometry and the related disciplines have a responsibility to clarify the public confusion.

Female↗
PubMed1979

The effect of cycloplegia on the determination of refractive error by the Ophthalmetron.

The Ophthalmetron was used to measure the refractive error of 10 male optometry students. Although there was a high incidence of invalid readings, more repeatable results were obtained with use of a cycloplegic. Measurements made under cycloplegia revealed 0.41 D more hyperopia but no differences in astigmatism as compared to the noncycloplegic refraction. Instrument myopia was shown not to be a factor.

Accommodation, Ocular↗
PubMed1979

Identifying and teaching affective skills in optometric education.

Skills of interviewing, counseling, and patient management have been identified as vital parts of the ASCO curriculum model. This paper reviews the current status of the affective components of the optometric curriculum and describes a course which has as its goal the teaching or affective skills to optometry students.

Communication↗
PubMed1980

A comparison of patient and peer assessments of optometric care.

The New York City Medicaid Program was forced to impose economies on its monitoring activities because of a fiscal crisis. It was suggested that some optometric peer review be replaced by patient assessments. An analysis was conducted of previously collected data, and it indicated that patient judgments were not equatable with peer evaluations for the determination of quality of care. Nonetheless, patient satisfaction is an important aspect of health care and a topic which optometry should investigate more thoroughly.

Consumer Behavior↗
PubMed1981

A clinical evaluation of the american optical SR III subjective refractor.

The American Optical SR III Subjective Refraction System is a recent addition to the vision care field. Subjective refractions were performed, using the SR III, on 275 eyes of 139 subjects (clinic patients, optometry students, staff members, and faculty members) and the results were compared to clinical refractive data. Although subjective refraction results were found to compare favorably to the clinical results, the instrument was found to be limited to the extent that there is no provision for binocular vision testing and no provision for near vision testing.

Humans↗
PubMed1982

Development of a standardized data base for clinical evaluation.

This paper offers a frank discussion of the difficulties involved in developing a standardized data base. These difficulties include: agreement on diagnostic coding, compliance in input of data, philosophical differences among the schools and colleges of optometry, assessment of clinical competence, and comparison among institutions.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed1982

Normalization of prism bar vergences.

Normal values for asymmetric prism bar vergences were derived from the clinic population of the School of Optometry, University of Alabama in Birmingham. The means, standard deviations, effect of order of prism presentation, and eye dominance were examined for three clinical groups. The results provide standards for prism bar vergence and demonstrate that order of testing and dominance have no significant effect upon the values obtained.

Accommodation, Ocular↗
PubMed1983

Comparison of American optical SR-IV refractive data with clinical refractive data on a group of myopic children.

Previous studies involving the American Optical SR-III Subjective Refraction System have indicated that refractive data for adults and for populations of mixed age groups compare favorably with conventional refractive data. However, no data concerning children, as a group, have been available. As a part of a 3-year Myopia Control Study being conducted at the University of Houston, 131 myopes between the ages of 6 and 15 years have been refracted by means of both the redesigned SR-IV Programmed Subjective Refractor and conventional clinical procedures. The results indicated that for the majority of subjects, the refractive data obtained by means of the SR-IV differed by no more than 0.25 D from data obtained by conventional procedures. SR-IV and clinical refractive data were also compared for a group of 30 second year optometry students, and agreement for the two methods was found to compare favorably with agreement of clinical refractive data obtained by two or more examiners.

Child↗