Eye care by primary care physicians. A survey of internists and family practitioners in the Sacramento, California, area.

Abstract

To assess the status of eye care as provided by primary care physicians, 193 internists or family practitioners were asked to complete a survey that focused on screening methods and referral patterns. In screening adult patients for glaucoma, 14% of 74 respondents await visual complaints before evaluation and/or referral. Eighteen percent of respondents first refer type II diabetic patients only after personally noting typical funduscopic changes in the undilated fundus. Other ophthalmic care issues are addressed. Results of the survey suggest that greater effort in ophthalmic education of primary care physicians could result in improved ophthalmic care.