News from the AOA's Blog

While the economy begins to show signs of a slow recovery, many consumers continue to struggle with financial challenges, some of which could affect their health. The fourth annual American Eye-Q® survey released by the AOA this month revealed that 36 percent of Americans say they are limiting their doctor visits because of the recession.

When asked which doctors they are visiting less, the majority indicated dentist (63 percent), followed by primary care physician (59 percent) and eye doctor (52 percent). Only 8 percent indicated that they are sticking to their regular health schedule.

“These statistics are very worrisome,” said David Cockrell, O.D., AOA trustee. “We know that many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms, so early diagnosis and treatment are critical. This is true beyond just eye care. Health issues of any kind are not things that Americans should ignore.”

While the survey did not ask why respondents chose to make specific cutbacks in doctor visits, fear of losing eyesight is likely part of the answer.

For the fourth year in a row, the AOA’s American Eye-Q® survey showed that consumers worry most about losing their vision (43 percent), over their memory (32 percent) or even their ability to walk (12 percent).

“The concept of losing vision appears very concrete to people, which may be why people cut back on other doctor visits first,” said Dr. Cockrell. “But doctors of optometry encourage individuals to consider eye and vision care as an integral part of their overall health, so cutting back on any aspect of health care is not a good idea.”

Demographics

Regardless of ethnicity, gender or geographic location, the recession appears to be affecting Americans’ health care decisions.

According to the 2009 Eye-Q® survey, when it comes to sticking to a regular health schedule during tough financial times, Hispanics are affected the most by the economy.

Almost half (49 percent) indicated they are visiting doctors less often, compared with blacks (36 percent) and whites (33 percent).

The survey showed that 63 percent of Hispanics are limiting dentist visits, and 53 percent are cutting back on eye doctor appointments.

“Since Hispanics are at a greater risk for developing eye diseases such as glaucoma, it’s important for them to see an eye doctor regularly,” said Dr. Cockrell. “Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed and treated early, it can be controlled to prevent or slow continued vision loss.”

More women (38 percent) than men (32 percent) said they are limiting doctor visits.

In terms of specific doctors, women (53 percent) are more inclined to cut back on seeing an eye doctor than men (51 percent), which is unfortunate since the survey also indicated more women (52 percent) wear glasses or contact lenses than men.

Women also tend to be more frequent sufferers of dry eye.

The AOA recommends adults age 60 and younger should have a comprehensive eye exam every two years or as recommended by an eye doctor.

Adults older than 60 should have an eye exam annually, according to the AOA recommendations.

Even though doctors of optometry are accessible in almost all parts of the country, almost two-thirds (63 percent) of survey respondents living in rural areas said they have cut visits to their eye doctor.

Only 50 percent of urban and suburban respondents said they are changing their regular eye care schedule.

Dr. Cockrell said putting off doctor visits ultimately can be more expensive and lead to additional health problems.

“The longer patients go between doctor visits, the greater the opportunity for additional health problems that ultimately can be much more expensive than routine checkups and early-stage treatment. That is another reason that identifying health problems in the early stages is ideal,” he said.

How the AOA helps

Because vision is an important aspect of overall health, well-being and independence, the AOA has established several programs to help consumers.

Volunteers In Service In Our Nation (VISION USA) provides free basic eye health and vision services to working low-income, uninsured individuals and their families by participating AOA member optometrists who donate their services.

Optometry’s CharityTM, The AOA Foundation, created InfantSEE®, a no-cost public health program to provide professional eye care for infants nationwide.

Through InfantSEE®, optometrists provide a one-time, comprehensive eye assessment to infants between 6 and 12 months of age, regardless of a parent’s ability to pay.

For more about the VISION USA program, call toll-free 800-766-4466 to learn about eligibility requirements.

For more about the InfantSEE® program, visit www.InfantSEE.org or call toll-free 888-396-EYES (3937).