A southern Illinois eyecare provider survey.
To determine opinions and knowledge of southern illinois eyecare patients about the different types of eyecare providers and the services they perform. A two page survey (Appendix) was presented to 500 consecutive patients registering at the Southern Illinois University Eye Center in April, 1995. Patients were asked to respond to questions which tested their knowledge of the type of provider they were to visit, i.e., ophthalmologist, optometrist, or optician and the services provided. There was pronounced confusion and uncertainty especially with regard to the terms "ophthalmologist" and "optometrist." Approximately one-quarter of those polled believed an optometrist to be a physician, and another one-quarter was unsure. Only one-third of those surveyed reported that "OD" referred to "optometrist." Approximately one-third were unsure if an optician was a physician. Over eighty percent felt there was confusion concerning the different types of eyecare providers and only 49% felt they were well informed with regard to providers and their services. The public, even among eyecare patients, is poorly informed with regard to the different types of eyecare providers and their services.