Molly Mullen
Research Mentor(s): Olivia Killeen
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Presentation Date: 08/03/2022
Presentation Type: Poster
Poster Number: 16
Session: Session II: 1:30 – 2:20pm
Room: League Ballroom
Authors: Molly Mullen, Olivia Killeen, MD
Abstract
Introduction: Uncorrected refractive error–simply needing eyeglasses–is the main cause of vision impairment in children, and a major cause of disability in children. Although some children have coverage for eyeglasses through insurance, many do not. The role of cost as a barrier to eyeglasses in children has not been adequately investigated. To explore the potential role of cost as a barrier to eyeglasses, we aimed to determine the cost of children’s eyeglasses without insurance and understand the experience of caretakers trying to obtain eyeglasses for children. We hypothesized that children’s glasses are expensive without insurance, which creates a barrier to glasses among children.
Methods: Secret shopper methodology was used to collect data on the cost of children’s glasses in optical shops across Michigan. A random sample of 30 cities was selected from the top 160 most populated cities in Michigan. The initial sample did not include Detroit or Grand Rapids; these cities were added to ensure that a diverse mix of Michigan’s largest cities were included in the sample. To simulate the experience of a parent trying to obtain eyeglasses in each city, Google search was used to identify optical shops in that city, and the top 1-3 optical shops in each city were contacted by phone. The salesperson who answered the phone was asked, “How much would it cost to buy a pair of glasses for a kid with no vision insurance?” In cases where the salesperson asked for additional details, the researcher clarified that the child is five years old and has a prescription for +3.00 sphere in both eyes. Google Sheets was used to record and analyze data. Qualitative data based on the researcher’s experience was also collected.
Results: Calls were made to 64 optical shops in 30 cities around Michigan. Of these, results were obtained from 49 optical shops. The mean cost of a pair of children’s glasses was $159.80 +/-$74.88. The 25% price was $99 and the 75% price was $200. The median cost was $150. Thirteen shops offered packages with frames and lenses included, and five shops offered a discount on frames and/or lenses for patients with no insurance. The researcher noted it was often difficult to obtain information on the price of children’s eyeglasses over the phone; common challenges included needing to leave a name and phone number for a call back and needing an in-person appointment with an optician to get a quote. Salespeople often needed to know whether the prescription was single vision or bifocal to give a quote for lenses.
Conclusion: Without insurance, children’s eyeglasses are expensive across Michigan. This suggests that cost may be a barrier for families trying to access eyeglasses for children. To make eyeglasses more accessible for Michigan families, policy makers should make insurance coverage for eyeglasses mandatory for all children. Eye doctors should help patients navigate the online eyeglasses marketplace, which may be less expensive than in-store shopping.
