Keeffe J E, Lovie-Kitchin J E, Taylor H R
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.
Aust N Z J Ophthalmol. 1996 Aug;24(3):207-14. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.1996.tb01582.x.
People in need of low vision rehabilitation services often experience delays in referral to services. This study investigates referral criteria of Australian ophthalmologists, the frequency of referral of their patients with low vision and their perceptions of low vision services.
A survey was sent to a representative, random sample of 200 ophthalmologists. They were asked about criteria used for the referral of their patients with low vision. The survey included questions on the frequency with which they prescribed low vision devices (LVD) and referral of their patients to low vision and rehabilitation services and peer support groups. Perceptions of the quality and availability of low vision services were also investigated.
The response rate was 82%. Approximately 11% of ophthalmologists' patients have low vision. It is uncommon for ophthalmologists to prescribe LVD but 67% refer most of their patients with low vision. It is less common for them to refer to rehabilitation services (29%) or peer support services (18%). The perceived local availability of services influences the rate of referral. Ophthalmologists who used the criteria of moderate low vision (< 6/21 to < 6/60) are more likely to refer more of their patients than those who use the criteria of severe low vision.
Australian ophthalmologists refer most of their visually impaired patients to low vision services, but infrequently to rehabilitation services or peer support groups. Differences in perceived need for low vision services indicated by the criteria used for referral, and the perceived availability, influence the rate at which ophthalmologists refer their patients for services. Ophthalmologists are encouraged to refer patients with permanent visual loss to low vision services earlier.
需要低视力康复服务的人群在转诊接受服务时常常会遇到延误。本研究调查了澳大利亚眼科医生的转诊标准、他们低视力患者的转诊频率以及他们对低视力服务的看法。
向200名眼科医生的代表性随机样本发送了一份调查问卷。询问他们转诊低视力患者所使用的标准。该调查包括关于他们开具低视力设备（LVD）的频率、将患者转诊至低视力及康复服务和同伴支持小组的频率的问题。还调查了对低视力服务质量和可及性的看法。
回复率为82%。大约11%的眼科医生的患者有低视力。眼科医生开具LVD的情况并不常见，但67%的医生会将大多数低视力患者转诊。他们转诊至康复服务（29%）或同伴支持服务（18%）的情况较少见。对服务当地可及性的认知会影响转诊率。使用中度低视力标准（<6/21至<6/60）的眼科医生比使用重度低视力标准的医生更有可能转诊更多患者。
澳大利亚眼科医生会将大多数视力受损患者转诊至低视力服务，但很少转诊至康复服务或同伴支持小组。转诊标准所表明的对低视力服务的感知需求差异以及感知的可及性会影响眼科医生将患者转诊接受服务的比率。鼓励眼科医生更早地将永久性视力丧失患者转诊至低视力服务。
