Optometric prescribing patterns: a quality comparison of Medicaid and non-Medicaid practitioners.

This study analyzes five variables related to quality and utilization of optometric prescribing of eyeglasses. The practices of optometrists participating in the New York City Medicaid Program were compared with those not participating. The variables chosen for this study can be analyzed by computer and seem to have wide applicability for monitoring of optometry services. Significant differences were found in four of the five variables under review. Overall, non-Medicaid patients appear to be receiving higher quality optometric care and less unnecessary care. Many of these differences, however, depend on the setting of the practice-whether solo, group, or corporate. Of additional note, wide variations occurred in the patterns of practice for non-Medicaid, as well as Medicaid, optometrists.