Recession Cutting Into Doctor Visits, According to New Consumer Survey

MOA Home

< MOA Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Rita Sitto
Franco Public Relations Group
O: (313) 567-6008
sitto@franco.com

Recession Cutting Into Doctor Visits, According to New Consumer Survey

The Michigan Optometric Association weighs in on annual American Eye-Q® survey

LANSING, Mich. (September 29, 2009) –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 American Eye-Q® survey released today by the American Optometric Association (AOA) 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 eight percent indicated that they are sticking to their regular health schedule.

“These statistics are very concerning. We know that many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms, so early diagnosis and treatment are critical,” said Dr. Gregory Dotson, O.D., president of the Michigan Optometric Association (MOA). “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 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. Dotson. “But doctors of optometry encourage individuals to continue 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 all American’s health care decisions.

Ethnicity
According to the survey, when it comes to following 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 African Americans (36 percent) and Caucasians (33 percent).

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

Gender
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 (48 percent). Women also tend to be more frequent sufferers of dry eye.

Age
The MOA recommends adults age 60 and under should have a comprehensive eye exam every two years, or as recommended by an eye doctor. Adults over age 60 should have an eye exam annually, according to MOA recommendations.

Geography
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. Dotson notes that delaying doctor visits ultimately may be more expensive and lead to additional health problems. “This is another reason that identifying health problems in the early stages is ideal.”

How the Michigan Optometric Association can help

Since vision is an important aspect of overall health, well-being and independence, the MOA participates in 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 MOA member optometrists who donate their services.

InfantSEE®, a no-cost public health program was developed to provide professional eye care for infants nationwide. Through InfantSEE, optometrists provide a one-time, comprehensive eye assessment to infants between six and 12 months of age at no cost.

For additional information on eye health, please visit www.themoa.org. Those interested in the VISION USA program are encouraged to call toll-free 1-800-766-4466 for additional information and to learn about eligibility requirements. Parents wanting to know more about the InfantSEE® program and to find a local doctor may can go to www.InfantSEE.org or call toll-free 1-888-396-EYES (3937).

###

[Dr. Dotson is available for interviews. Please contact Lauren Weber at (313) 567-5048.]

About the Michigan Optometric Association
The mission of the Michigan Optometric Association is to unite all licensed optometrists and be the representative voice for the profession of optometry in Michigan. The association provides education, information and other member services to assist optometrists in practicing successfully in accordance with the highest standards of patient care; works to advance the quality and accessibility of optometric services throughout the state and seeks to ensure the recognition of optometrists as the primary providers of vision and related eye health care.

About the survey:
The fourth annual American Eye-Q® survey was created and commissioned in conjunction with Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (PSB). From May 21 – 24, 2009, using an online methodology, PSB interviewed 1,000 Americans 18 years and older who embodied a nationally representative sample of U.S. general population. (Margin of error at 95 percent confidence level.)

Media Center