Optometric practice in Norway: a cross-sectional nationwide study.
OBJECTIVE
To describe optometric practitioners and their encountering patients.


METHODS
All members of the Norwegian Association of Optometrists working in the community (n = 761) were invited to participate in a questionnaire survey; questionnaire responders (n = 508) were asked to take part in a practice registration. Data collection was carried out between November 2004 and May 2005 using a questionnaire and a practice registration form.


RESULTS
Five hundred and eight optometrists responded to the questionnaire; of these 212 participated in the practice registration, in which 4052 patient encounters were recorded. All optometrists reported taking patient history in the areas of vision and ocular health; 55% asked questions about general health for all patients. More than 80% collaborated with general practitioners and ophthalmologists. The patient encounters were with 1699 men and 2216 women; 60% of patients were aged 45 years or older. Patients reported a history of ocular disease and other conditions of relevance for ocular health in 12% and 17% of encounters, respectively. One per cent had low vision [best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) < 0.33] and 2% were visually impaired (BCVA < 0.5). Ophthalmoscopy was performed for 88% of patients; dilated fundus examinations were carried out for 2%; clinical findings of cataract were reported for 11%; and retinopathy was suspected in 3%. Six per cent of patients were referred to a general practitioner or ophthalmologist.


CONCLUSIONS
Optometrists generally collaborate with general practitioners and ophthalmologists. They take history, investigate and assess patients with ocular problems. A significant number of patients had primary or secondary ocular disease. This illustrates the role of optometrists as healthcare workers.
Sundling
Vibeke
V
Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Buskerud University College, Kongsberg, Norway. vibeke.sundling@hibu.no
Gulbrandsen
Pål
P
Bragadottir
Ragnheiethur
R
Bakketeig
Leiv S
LS
Jervell
Jak
J
Straand
Jørund
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D009907:Optometry / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires