TY - JOUR

T1 - Older adults’ perceptions of navigating eye health care in Denmark

T2 - a qualitative study

AU - Sandholdt, Catharina Thiel

AU - Jacobsen, Marie Honoré

AU - Mathiesen, Olivia Hjulsager

AU - Jønsson, Alexandra Brandt Ryborg

AU - Jensen, Andrea Nedergaard

AU - Steinbo, Emma Katrine Frøhlke

AU - Reventlow, Susanne

AU - Waldorff, Frans Boch

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2024, The Authors. All Rights Reserved.

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - Background: Vision impairment can have an impact on cognition, health, and social function. Vision loss may be avoided if detected early and treated promptly. Eye health is a minor topic in general practice, but the ongoing relationship between doctor and patient has the potential to assist the patient in navigating the healthcare system and guaranteeing timely healthcare service delivery. Aim: To explore the attitudes of older members of the public (aged ≥60 years) towards navigating primary sector eye health care in Denmark, with a focus on optometrists, practising ophthalmologists (POs), and GPs. Design & setting: Qualitative study in Copenhagen, Denmark. Method: Focus group interviews were performed in the spring of 2022 with 21 older members of the public. Results: Older members of the public perceived optometrists and POs to be the most relevant health professionals to consult about eye health. Opportunities were identified for enhancing the function of general practice including detecting early signs of visual impairment, being in charge of further referrals, and managing issues affecting quality of life such as dry eyes. Conclusion: Older members of the public sought help from health professionals who are directly qualified to treat symptoms of vision impairment that patients are experiencing or expect to face in the near future. Participants identified a potential for GPs to address vision impairment. This included focusing on the patient’s general health and function, as well as potential comorbidities influencing treatment trajectories. The current denigration of general practice risks missing out on the potential benefits of robust engagement from general practice in eye health.

AB - Background: Vision impairment can have an impact on cognition, health, and social function. Vision loss may be avoided if detected early and treated promptly. Eye health is a minor topic in general practice, but the ongoing relationship between doctor and patient has the potential to assist the patient in navigating the healthcare system and guaranteeing timely healthcare service delivery. Aim: To explore the attitudes of older members of the public (aged ≥60 years) towards navigating primary sector eye health care in Denmark, with a focus on optometrists, practising ophthalmologists (POs), and GPs. Design & setting: Qualitative study in Copenhagen, Denmark. Method: Focus group interviews were performed in the spring of 2022 with 21 older members of the public. Results: Older members of the public perceived optometrists and POs to be the most relevant health professionals to consult about eye health. Opportunities were identified for enhancing the function of general practice including detecting early signs of visual impairment, being in charge of further referrals, and managing issues affecting quality of life such as dry eyes. Conclusion: Older members of the public sought help from health professionals who are directly qualified to treat symptoms of vision impairment that patients are experiencing or expect to face in the near future. Participants identified a potential for GPs to address vision impairment. This included focusing on the patient’s general health and function, as well as potential comorbidities influencing treatment trajectories. The current denigration of general practice risks missing out on the potential benefits of robust engagement from general practice in eye health.

KW - aged

KW - care of older people

KW - eye

KW - problems

KW - qualitative research

U2 - 10.3399/BJGPO.2023.0118

DO - 10.3399/BJGPO.2023.0118

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 37903529

AN - SCOPUS:85192380576

VL - 8

JO - British Journal of General Practice Open

JF - British Journal of General Practice Open

SN - 2398-3795

IS - 1

M1 - 2023.0118

ER -