Recruitment and Testing Protocol in the National Eye Health Survey: A Population-Based Eye Study in Australia

PURPOSE: To present the recruitment and testing methodology of the National Eye Health Survey (NEHS), a population-based study that aimed to determine the prevalence and causes of vision impairment and blindness in Australia. METHODS: Non-Indigenous Australians aged 50 years and older and Indigenous Australians aged 40 years and older were recruited using a door-to-door approach from 30 randomly selected geographical areas, stratified by remoteness. Participants underwent a vision examination, anterior segment assessment, intraocular pressure testing, perimetry, and fundus photography. RESULTS: In total, recruiters approached 23,235 residences, and 11,883 residents were successfully contacted (51.1%). Of these, 6760 (56.9%) were deemed eligible and 5764 agreed to participate (positive response rate = 85.3%). Of those who agreed, 4836 residents attended the examination (4836/6760 = 71.5%). This included 1738 Indigenous Australians (41.1% male) aged 40-92 years (mean ± standard deviation = 55.0 ± 10.0 years) and 3098 non-Indigenous Australians (46.4% male), aged 50-98 years (mean ± standard deviation = 66.6 ± 9.7 years). CONCLUSIONS: The NEHS achieved an excellent positive response rate, and the data collected from 4836 Australians will provide the first population-based national estimate of the prevalence of vision impairment and blindness. This data will guide future economic analysis, policy formulation, and eye health service delivery in Australia.