Skip to main content

Table 5 Self-reported barriers to regular eye examinations

From: Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and self-reported barriers to eye care among patients with diabetes in the emergency department: the diabetic retinopathy screening in the emergency department (DRS-ED) study

Barriers

n (%) cited as most important

n (%) citeda

Too many other medical appointments

6 (12)

7 (14)

Cannot afford the exam or co-payment

5 (10)

6 (12)

My vision is fine

4 (8)

6 (12)

Transportation issues

3 (6)

4 (8)

I am too busy

2 (4)

7 (14)

Too difficult to get an appointment

2 (4)

3 (6)

I did not know it was important

2 (4)

4 (8)

Too sick to sit for several hours in the eye clinic

0 (0)

3 (6)

Mobility issues (e.g. wheelchair-bound)

0 (0)

2 (4)

My eyes were examined by my PCP

0 (0)

2 (4)

I do not trust doctors or the medical system

0 (0)

0 (0)

Other (not specified)

1 (2)

3 (6)

None

24 (48)

24 (48)

  1. PCP Primary care physician
  2. a Patients could report more than one