Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry
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Comparative Study
Prevalence of chief complaints in a pediatric clinic population.
To determine the type and frequency of chief complaints reported by parents of pediatric patients younger than 8 years of age in an optometry clinic. There have been many reports on prevalence of pediatric eye and vision disorders; however, the frequency of presenting complaints has not been carefully investigated. ⋯ There was a large percentage of patients presenting for routine vision care, which may represent an encouraging trend in public education efforts concerning children's vision care needs. The relative frequency of chief complaints in each age category prepares the eye care practitioner to address common parental concerns. This information can help to improve vision care education and services for the pediatric population.