The perceived needs of practicing optometrists in geriatric continuing education.

BACKGROUND

A survey of American Optometric Association members in the states of Kentucky and Illinois was undertaken to determine the perceived need areas for continuing education in the field of optometric geriatrics and gerontology.

METHOD

The membership was surveyed on which of a 23 possible courses were of the most interest and need. A total of 332 questionnaires were returned and analyzed. The respondents were largely younger practitioners (mean age 41) who had not taken a specific course in geriatrics during optometry school (56 percent).

RESULTS

A large majority (79 percent) indicated that they would attend courses with geriatric content at regional and state continuing education. Courses with heavy optometric content were preferred over those with more general gerontology content. The most desired courses were in geriatric pharmacology and ocular disease. Coursework in medical epidemiology and systemic conditions affecting the older adult were the most needed in the area of general gerontology.