Most Older Adults Say PCPs Do Not Ask About Vision

Data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging predicted that the number of adults with vision impairment will double over the next 30 years, with more than half of older respondents saying their primary care provider (PCP) had not inquired about their vision, reports Healio . "Older adults often have a long list of health concerns to discuss with their primary care provider," noted the University of Michigan Medical School's Preeti Malani. "Difficulties with vision might not always come to mind." The survey covered 2,013 participants aged 50 to 80 years, and 58 percent said their PCP did not ask about vision while 27 percent said they had received a diagnosis of cataracts, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. In addition, 17 percent said they had their vision checked using an eye chart at a primary care visit, and 91 percent had an eye exam within two years of their PCP asking about their vision. "Findings from this poll underscore the important role that primary care providers play in promoting eye health," the researchers said. "Those with diabetes, a history of eye disease, or lower household incomes were more likely to have had a conversation about vision with their primary care provider, suggesting that primary care providers may be more likely to discuss eye health with those known to be at high risk for eye conditions."