Clinical Practice Survey

The 2011 Clinical Practice Survey was designed to allow the American Optometric Association (AOA) to gather key information about the clinical practice and optical dispensing patterns in the profession of optometry. The 2011 Clinical Practice Survey collected information about private, corporate and other optometric practice types in 2011. The 2011 Clinical Practice Survey is the first in a new series resulting from the need for updated clinical and dispensing information for the profession.

The 2011 Clinical Practice Survey focused on clinical care of patients (such as the number of diagnosed and treated cases of eye disorders), spectacle and frames available for patients, and contact lens fittings. The Clinical Practice Survey replaces the Scope of Practice Survey and Optical Dispensing Survey, both of which were historically conducted by the AOA on a bi-annual basis. The Clinical Practice Survey will be conducted annually in the fourth quarter of each year and results will be compared to previous surveys, allowing for trending of data and the ability to capture changes in clinical care and optical dispensing patterns within the profession. Results are presented for all optometrists, and by optometrist characteristics such as AOA membership status, gender, U.S. Census Region, and more. The purpose of these data is descriptive.  

2011 Clinical Practice Survey Methodologies

Results from the survey are being released in two volumes:

1) Clinical Practice of Optometry

2) Optical Dispensing Among Optometrists