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Eye on Testing Times
Key research on how long an eye examination should take has been
published by optometrist Christian Dutton. The survey sought to
find out optometrists' feelings on the contentious question of how
much time is needed to carry out eye examinations to the standard
described in the College Guidance.
"My objective is to open the debate on eye examination duration
to see if practitioners feel that 20 minutes is enough to conduct
an eye examination. If not we can look at raising the bar of
optometry in general by allocating more time to our patients"
He has found that, whilst in some quarters 20 minutes is seen as
a 'industry standard', practitioners require somewhat longer - 29
minutes in total - to carry out an eye examination with acceptable
level of care.
In total 600 people responded, with a credible 555 optometrists
included in the final analysis - 4.56% of UK registered
optometrists . After exclusion criteria was applied (which included
practitioners allocated over 40 minutes for each eye examination;
those unable to separate pre-screening time from overall eye
examination duration; practitioners who answered on the basis of
working to the NHS Scotland model).
In an executive summary of the report, details of the survey are
unveiled:
'The survey indicated that optometrists required 29 minutes to
conduct an eye examination to an acceptable standard, rather than
the 'industry standard' of 20 minutes. An insufficient allocation
of time for each examination might result in missed pathology and
inaccurate spectacle prescribing. An additional 36 minutes was
required each day to undertake essential non-eye examinations and
administrative tasks.
'This study has highlighted the need for evidence-based research
to determine an updated industry standard for eye examination
duration. This should ensure that practitioners are allocated
sufficient time to complete their professional obligations,
patients should be satisfied by receiving optometric care which is
accurate and of good quality, and ultimately the profile of UK
optometry could be raised.
'Spending more time with patients need not adversely affect
profitability. More thorough examinations will provide an
opportunity to deliver improved levels of customer service and
develop a rapport with the patient thus resulting in an increased
likelihood of a purchase and recommendations; this should improve
patient satisfaction and reduce waste and complaints from
prescribing errors and other omissions. Improvements in clinic
management efficiency such as the delegation of certain duties, a
flexible appointment diary and a patient reminder system should
minimise any reduction in patient throughput.'
Mr Dutton said: "I am grateful to the practitioners who took the
time to respond to the survey. The results indicate that 92% of
practitioners feel the 'industry standard' 20 minute allocation is
insufficient to conduct an eye examination to the standards
described in the College Guidance. The mean requirement among the
respondents was 29 minutes for each eye examination (excluding
pre-screening) and a safe upper limit of 16 eye examinations in an
8 hour working day. Respondents also felt they needed 37 minutes
each day for non-eye examination/admin duties.
"Whilst this represents practitioners views, it is not an
evidence-based study so I have recommended standardised patient
encounters and a time and motion study using experienced
practitioners (eg College of Optometrist examiners and GOC FTP
Committee members) to determine a validated 'industry standard' as
well as guidance to ensure practitioners are allocated sufficient
time to meet their professional obligations and patients receive a
high standard of clinical care."
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