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WASHINGTON, DC — A survey released today by the National
Consumers League (NCL), found that many consumers, including
those who wear glasses or contact lenses, are uncertain about
the differences among various eye care providers, the services
they perform, and the training and education they must complete.
The survey showed that one-third of respondents (30 percent)
incorrectly thought optometrists have earned medical degrees.
Similarly, nearly 50 percent thought an optometrist can be board
certified, when, in fact, only licensure is required. Despite
the confusion about which eye care professionals have medical
degrees, consumers have strong opinions on the need for the
degree: when it comes to performing surgeries (including laser),
injecting /prescribing medications, and emergency care, most
respondents indicated that they would prefer their eye-care
provider to have a medical degree.
“When it
comes to eye care, it is vital for consumers to understand who
can provide what kind of services,” said NCL President Linda
Golodner. “There are a number of different types of
professionals on the eye care team, and unfortunately, many
consumers, as seen in our survey, don’t differentiate among
them. As in any aspect of health care, consumers must take an
active role and familiarize themselves with who it is they’re
seeking treatment from.”
The
nation’s oldest consumer advocacy organization, NCL commissioned
the survey in order to explore consumers’ understanding of the
eye care arena, which is often confusing due to the number of
professionals who offer services.
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Opticians dispense and fit contact lenses and glasses
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Optometrists examine the eye to diagnose vision problems and
abnormalities, and prescribe glasses, contact lenses and
some medications
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Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who deliver total eye
care services, treat eye diseases and injuries, and perform
eye surgery.
These
professionals have different education profiles and their
practice parameters are determined by varying levels of
regulation.
To help
consumers better understand eye care, NCL has created new Web
resources and tips at its Web site,
www.nclnet.org. At the site, consumers can learn about the
various members of the eye care team, their training and the
services they can provide. It also includes tips and a checklist
of questions for patients to ask their eye care providers about
treatments and services. NCL has also produced a white paper
about the state of eye care in the United States. To learn more,
visit
www.nclnet.org.
The Web-based survey of 600 adults over the age of 25 was
conducted for NCL by TNS jstreet, a Washington-based survey
firm. The survey was made possible by an unrestricted
educational grant provided by the American Academy of
Ophthalmology.
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