title: Requirements and characteristics of 500 consecutive patients consulting an ophthalmic medical practitioner.
abstract: This paper reports the results of a prospective survey on 500 consecutive patients consulting an ophthalmic medical practitioner. The reason for consultation, and results of refraction and examination were analysed. The majority required only a refraction. One in 8 visits was for primary ophthalmic health care other than refraction. An abnormality of the visual system (other than refractive error) was present in 19% of patients. Five per cent required referral to their general practitioner.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas' Hospital, London.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Claoué
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D005139:Eyeglasses; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012030:Refractive Errors / Q000453:epidemiology