A Survey of Optometrist Comfort Level Concerning Autism and Special Populations

1
A Survey of Optometrist Comfort Level Concerning
Autism and Special Populations
Jay M. Rumsey, OD, FAAO1 Marc B. Taub, OD,
FAAO2 Takeia Locke, OD1 1-Nova Southeastern
University-College of Optometry Ft. Lauderdale,
FL 2-Southern College of Optometry Memphis, TN
Purpose One of the most underserved groups of
patients is those that suffer from developmental
and/or physical disabilities. Those with autism,
cerebral palsy, Down syndrome as well as other
developmental conditions require greater
attention and care from health care providers.
Optometrists must be prepared to examine this
ever growing population. This survey will
attempt to shed some light on this whether we are
ready for this challenge.
Results 105 (4) surveys were completed. All
survey participants were asked three questions
using a Likert scale value ratings (1very
comfortable, 2comfortable, 3uncomfortable,
4very uncomfortable) regarding comfort levels
of 1. Examination of, 2. Prescribing glasses for
and 3. Prescribing pharmaceuticals to both
Special Needs Patients (SNP) and Autistic
Patients (AP). For both groups of patients we
found a statistical difference (p
confidence level) related to COVD membership
(n15) and non-COVD members (n68). A similar
statistical difference was found between a self
described pediatric/behavioral speciality (n27)
optometrist and the self described non-speciality
(n68) optometrist. When we examined the comfort
levels of all the optometrists responding
regarding their education of systemic problems
associated with the two groups, they indicated
Likert scale values near the neutral point. (SNP
2.55 and AP 2.49). There was no significant
statistical difference in the comfort levels. We
also examined the comfort levels of all the
respondents concerning their education of the
visual/functional problems associated with the
two groups of patients. In this analysis
significant statistical difference (p
the 95 confidence level) was found in the Likert
scale comfort level values for the SNP (comfort
level2.29) and the AP (comfort level2.63)
groups. For all optometrist reporting for both
SNP and AP groups, we found no statistical
difference based on optometry school attended,
years in practice, completion of a residency, or
the practice type or setting.
Doctors performing examinations on AP and SN
patients reported seeing the following average
patients per year for each category
Doctors not performing
examinations on AP (n20) and SN (n5) reported
the main reason and all reasons for not providing
this service When asked if continuing
education (CE) had been taken on examining /
management of the AP and SN patients, 25 answered
Yes and 80 reported No. When asked if they
would be interested in learning more about the
evaluation and management of patients with
special needs / autism, 88 doctors reported in
the affirmative. The preference for the methods
of CE presentations most desired was
Methods From a list of the current AOA members,
2000 optometrists were selected at random. A
letter was mailed to them which requested they
link to an anonymous web-based survey. The
survey contained a series of yes/no, lickert
scale and multiple choice questions. No
reimbursement was made to those participating in
the survey.
Conclusions The survey results indicate that
most optometrists responding to this survey were
comfortable seeing both the AP and SN patient
populations. Those who were COVD members or
considered themselves pediatric specialists were
significantly more comfortable with various
aspects of patient care (Examinations,
Corrections and Pharmaceuticals) than the
self-described non-specialist. Lack of interest
appears to be the primary and most often reported
reason for not providing this service to these
patient populations. Even though a large
percentage of optometrists surveyed indicated
that they had never taken continuing education on
these topics, an even larger percentage desired
to do so. Traditional CE and journal articles
were the overwhelming choices aimed at this
pursuit. With the growing number of autistic and
special needs individuals needing eye care, all
optometrists must be ready to do their part.