NEW YORK—The patient experience at independent optometric locations versus chains is presented in Jobson Optical Research’s “2013 Adult Consumer Eye Exam Experience.” For example, 69 percent who had their eye exam at an independent location said that they would be extremely likely to return, compared to 54 percent who had their eye exam at a chain. Based on several years of trending data, this section also compares the utilization of managed vision care plans at independent locations versus its use at chains, among other parameters influencing the patient experience.

Part of The Vision Council’s VisionWatch consumer study, the research report also analyzes the doctor/patient relationship, exploring what patients say about their eye exam and providing insight into how patients believe doctors are communicating with them. It analyzes the eye exam, the role of insurance, and what doctors checked for and asked patients.

The 96-page report also includes additional extensive information related to consumer perceptions and attitudes toward the overall eye exam experience. Fielded in June 2013, the recently released study was completed by a total of 2,864 consumers who had an eye exam in the last six months and reflected national demographics of adults across gender, age, household income and other U.S. Census parameters. The 2013 data are compared with the results from the same survey conducted each year since 2007. The questionnaire was based on the American Optometric Association’s Optometric Clinical Practice Guideline: Comprehensive Adult Eye and Vision Examination.