A Survey of Cases in Sydney Optometric Practices: Age and Sex Distributions; Symptoms and Reasons for Consultation.

Abstract

: Nineteen thousand seven hundred and-fifty three case records from 22 optometric practices in Sydney were surveyed to obtain data on age and sex distributions and on the symptoms, complaints and reasons for consultation presented by patients. Contact lens wearers were excluded. The age distribution was bimodal, with a major peak in the age group 45–54 years and a second peak in the age group 25–34. The median age was 47.3 years. Males comprised 46.3% of the cases, which was statistically different from the Australian population estimate of 48%. There was wide variation in age and sex distributions amongst individual practices. The most frequently presented reasons for consultation were “near problems” (29%) and “check-up” (no specific symptoms) (26.1%). Of the cases presented symptoms relating to clarity, to vision at distance and/or near were found in 46.2%. A further 36.4% either had no specific problems or complaints, or sought a consultation because of lost or broken spectacles. “Headache/migraine” was presented by 12.6% of females, and by only 6.9% of males. Other symptoms of visual or ocular discomfort were also presented more frequently by females than by males, and by young rather than old people.