Finding, retrieving and evaluating journal and web-based information for evidence-based optometry.

How can optometrists ensure they are basing their advice to patients on the most reliable information available? This paper discusses search tools, databases, websites and journals, which provide free, full-text, web-based access to evidence-based literature. Brief tips on searching these resources are provided for the time-poor practitioner or researcher. Criteria, such as credibility, currency and bias are used to evaluate written material and will be discussed with particular reference to the problems inherent in evaluating web pages.