Utilisation of eye care services by urban and rural Australians

Abstract

Aim: To investigate factors related to the use of eye care services in Australia. Methods: Health, eye care service use, and socio-demographic data were collected in a structured interview of participants in a population based study. All participants had a standard eye examination. Results: Men (OR 1.3 CL 1.02, 1.7), those who spoke Greek (OR 2.1 CL 1.1, 3.8) or Italian (OR 1.9 CL 1.0, 3.3), and those without private health insurance (OR 1.59 CL 1.22, 2.04) were more likely to have not used eye care services. Ophthalmology services were utilised at lower rates in rural areas (OR 0.14 CL 0.09, 0.2). Approximately 40% of participants with undercorrected refractive error, cataract, and undiagno..