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Survey: ODs want eye-specific smoking cessation literature for their offices
PHOENIX – In a survey study presented here at Academy 2012, optometrists indicated that they saw their role in smoking cessation as educational rather than referral, but want tobacco cessation educational materials that are eye-specific and increase patient apprehension about vision loss.
The survey asked Canadian optometrists their opinions about graphic images and text suitable for smoking cessation and prevention education.
Of the 4,528 registered Canadian optometrists queried, 850 responded (19%), and of those respondents, 95% wanted pamphlets and 85% wanted posters that focused on eye-specific education on the deleterious effects smoking can have on the eyes, Marlee M. Spafford, OD, PhD, FAAO, told attendees.
Also, eye-specific posters for smoking were considered by 95% of respondents to be equally as important as eye-specific posters for diabetes and hypertension, Spafford said.
“We also found that respondents preferred loss-framed messages and less graphic images, which is the opposite of the recommended approach,” she said.
“There is a need to encourage a greater role for optometrists in this area of smoking cessation, and we are currently designing a continuing education program to be delivered to ODs in this subject,” Spafford said.