Assessing existing workforce databases in optometry and ophthalmology

Current database used by health planners, governmental personnel and educational institutions have built-in flaws resulting in an inaccurate assessment of the current supply of eye care providers. Recent surveys of optometrists and ophthalmologists have found that databases from governmental, professional and private sources cannot be relied on to provide accurate statistics. Information from licensing agencies are often not updated annually, data from third party vision plans, insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid, and professional associations are limited to provider participation. There is a lack of consistency as to the information available from multiple sources. Alumni roosters and commercial “listing” cannot be relied upon. Important Demographic data is unavailable, level of licensure, place of practice, availability and hours of practice, is also missing. Multiple listings and the lack of consistency impede the determination of the national supply of providers. Confidentiality requirements within state licensing agencies also restrict the information needed to determine supply and plan for the needs of the state. The number of “active” providers within a geographic location cannot be ascertained. Determination of adequate supply, shortages or surplus of providers is affected by the lack of reliable information. The need for a reliable workforce database will be discussed.