Does the public understand the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists?

Telephone interviews utilizing random digit dialing were conducted in Los Angeles County to assess the public's knowledge of differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists and to determine factors predictive of knowledge status. Knowledge status was determined by performance on a questionnaire specifically designed for this study. Using multiple logistic regression analysis for simultaneous evaluation of potentially predictive factors, higher education, history of prior eye examination as an adult, and history of prior or present contact lens or spectacle wear were associated with scoring as knowledgeable. Predicted probabilities of being knowledgeable and not knowledgeable were presented for all combinations of these predictive variables. Such information may be helpful in guiding public education campaigns regarding eye care.