Demand incidence and episode rates of ophthalmic disease in a defined urban population

Abstract

Objectives - To estimate demand incidence and episode rates of ophthalmic disease in a defined urban population over one year. Design - Study of patients presenting with eye problems to general practice and eye casualty department. Setting - General practice and ophthalmic services in west Nottingham. Subjects - 36,018 people from the combined practice lists of 17 Nottingham general practitioners. Main outcome measures - Ophthalmic disorder, age and sex of patient, and where presented. Results - 2587 consultations were recorded for ophthalmic problems, 1771 with general practitioners and 816 with eye casualty. Most consultations to general practice were by females (1066 (60%)), whereas men aged 15-44 accounted for most work in eye casualty. These men commonly presented with trauma. Infective conjunctivitis, the commonest condition, had an episode rate of 13.5/1000 population/year. Demand incidence for cataracts was 1.9/1000 population/year. Demand incidence for chronic conditions increased with age. Conclusions - As the average age of the population increases demand for ophthalmic services will rise. Planning and provision of resources to meet this increased demand should be considered now.