Physicians and chronic impairment: a study of ophthalmologists' interactions with visually impaired and blind patients.

A questionnaire was distributed to a systematic sample of ophthalmologists in order to determine their role in the rehabilitation of visually impaired and blind patients. Ophthalmologists' knowledge of rehabilitation services in their community is incomplete, and the most frequently made referrals are to state agencies for the blind and visually impaired or to low vision clinics, rather than to more specialized agencies. The diagnosis and prognosis are almost always discussed with patients who are legally blind, but prescriptions of adaptive aids are infrequent. Visually impaired and blind patients would receive more services if ophthalmology residents were required to take coursework in rehabilitation and if information about available services were disseminated to practicing ophthalmologists on a regular basis.