Cost as a barrier to eyeglasses in pediatric population: a cross-sectional survey analysis
Recommended Citation
Salem Z, Mubeen A, Sridhara R, Toiv A, Williams P, Gappy C, Jacobson A, Wang G, Segar S, Jakpor O, Freedman SF, and Killeen OJ. Cost as a barrier to eyeglasses in pediatric population: a cross-sectional survey analysis. J AAPOS 2025;29(2):104171.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2025
Publication Title
Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus / American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Abstract
Eyeglasses are an essential medical device to maximize visual potential and learning in children. We surveyed parents and pediatric ophthalmologists regarding their perspectives on the cost of pediatric eyeglasses. Parents and ophthalmologists identified cost as a barrier to obtaining eyeglasses. Despite over 80% of patients having some insurance coverage for eyeglasses, less than 1 in 4 reported that insurance fully covered the cost, and parents most frequently spent $100-200 per pair. More than 1 in 4 parents deferred purchasing recommended eyeglasses due to cost. Although over 80% of parents felt comfortable discussing the price of eyeglasses with the ophthalmologist, less than half of ophthalmologists felt comfortable discussing cost.
Medical Subject Headings
Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Eyeglasses; Health Care Costs; Insurance Coverage; Insurance, Health; Ophthalmologists; Parents; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed ID
40058566
Volume
29
Issue
2
First Page
104171
Last Page
104171
