Utilization of eye care services in Victoria

Abstract

Purpose: To determine baseline eye care utilization by older Victorians in order to assess change in 2 years after an eye health promotion campaign. Methods: A letter of invitation to participate was sent to all people aged 70-79 years in randomly selected Melbourne postcode areas. A questionnaire was designed to allow gathering of eye health-related information. Eye exams included autorefraction, frequency doubling technology and non-mydriatic fundus photography. Results were compared with the Melbourne Vision Impairment Project. Results: A total of 1695 people with a mean age of 74 years were recruited. The overall proportion with visual impairment was 8% (134/ 1695), of which 27% (36/134)..