Visual impairment and eye care utilization in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

12/12/2017, 12:00 pm - TO 12/12/2017 - 1:00 pm

Organizer: CLSA / Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact

In this webinar presentation, Dr. Freeman will share the design and results of her research study, the goal of which was to determine the frequency and determinants of visual impairment and eye care utilization in Canada. Data were used from 30,097 CLSA participants aged 45-85 years old, and visual acuity was measured with both eyes open using a letter chart while participants wore their usual prescription for distance, if any. Visual impairment was defined as visual acuity worse than 20/40.

Dr. Freeman will reveal the risk factors identified in this study and share the preliminary results. She will also explain geographic variations identified in the participant sample and explore considerations around the efforts needed to reduce uncorrected refractive error and to ensure that Canadians have access to appropriate eye care.