Description

For sample adults and sample children, EYEXAMOP12MO reports whether the respondent saw an eye specialist such as an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or eye doctor in the past 12 months. In 1989 and 1991, the question only asked if the respondent had seen an ophthalmologist. Please see comparability and universe tabs for more information on changes to the universe and questionnaire text over time.

This variable is part of the 1989 Diabetes supplement and the 1991 Health Promotion Disease Prevention Supplement.

Comparability

Changes in the questionnaire text and universe affect the comparability of this variable over time. In 1989, this question was asked of persons ages 18 and older who have confirmed diabetes. In 1991, this question was asked of sample persons ages 18 and older who had an eye exam by a medical doctor in the past 2 years. Beginning in 2019, this question is asked of all sample adults and sample children.

In both 1989 and 1991 the question asks if, in the past 12 months, the respondent has "seen an ophthalmologist, that is, a medical doctor who specializes in eye care?" However, beginning in 2019, the question broadens in scope and asks "During the past 12 months, have you had an eye exam from an eye specialist such as an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or eye doctor?"

The NHIS questionnaire was substantially redesigned in 2019 to introduce a different data collection structure and new content. For more information on changes in terminology, universes, and data collection methods beginning in 2019, please see the user note.

Universe

Availability

• 1989, 1991, 2019-2020, 2022-2023

Weights

• 1989 : PERWEIGHT
• 1991, 2019-2020, 2022-2023 : SAMPWEIGHT