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Study shows discrepancies between vision care attitudes, practices
CHICAGO – The 2012 Americans’ Attitudes and Perceptions about Vision Care Survey revealed discrepancies between attitudes about vision care and actual practices. Vistakon shared study results with the media here at Optometry’s Meeting.
Sight is ranked the most important of the five senses among Americans, yet nearly half did not get an eye exam in the past year and approximately 30% do not believe that eye health is as important as other health issues, according to the survey.
The survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of Vistakon Division Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc. to track attitude and behavior changes of 1,000 U.S. adults compared to 2006 benchmark data.
“Despite knowledge and perceived importance, Americans are not making eye health a medical priority,” Cristina Schnider, OD, senior director, professional communications, Vistakon, said in a press release. “Seeing an eye care professional regularly for a comprehensive eye exam will not only assess vision and the potential need for updated prescriptions, but it may also help identify and lead to a diagnosis of other health concerns such as hypertension and diabetes.”
Respondents who indicated that they do not regularly visit an eye care professional increased 36% compared to 2006. Also, one in five U.S. adults feels that they do not need an eye exam unless they are having trouble seeing.
A 12% decrease was seen in cost being the reason to avoid visiting the eye doctor and two in three adults having some type of eye care insurance.