Habits related to eye examinations among the Spanish population

Abstract

Introduction: regular eye exams are essential to detect refractive errors and sight-threatening conditions. In Spain, these eye exams can be performed by two different eye care professionals (ECPs), optometrists and ophthalmologists. The aim of this survey was assessing how regular the Spanish population usually do their eye exams, as well as the usual ECP selected to do them. Methods: an anonymous online survey was distributed using Microsoft Forms. It included questions related to personal characteristics, information about how often and where respondents usually do eye exams, the usual place for acquiring spectacles, and where they usually fit and buy contact lenses. Results: four hundred and twenty-three people completed the survey (42.8 ± 16.5 years old, 66% female). The majority reported doing regular exams every year or every 2 - 3 years, but 22.0 % of respondents do not usually do regular eye exams and 6.6% do them every 4 or more years. 50.8% of respondents reported doing their eye exams in a “optician centre or with the optometrist”, 30.5% “with the ophthalmologist, in an ophthalmological clinic or hospital”, and 13.2% “alternate the place”. A few respondents reported going to university eye clinics or using apps or online software to test their vision. To acquire graduated spectacles, 97.0% of respondents usually go to an optician centre. Among those who reported using contact lenses, most said that they fit (88.5 %) and buy (87.6 %) them in optician centres. Conclusions: An important number of adults do not check their eyes regularly, which highlight the need of campaigns to raise awareness among general population about the importance of checking their vision and ocular health.