Patterns of eyecare utilization by young Australian children: findings from a population-based study.

Objectives: To report factors associated with childhood eyecare utilization in a random sample of 1740 Sydney schoolchildren aged 6, examined during 2003-4.

Methods: Information on use of eyecare services, defined as any previous consultation with an ophthalmologist or optometrist, was sought from parents. Children had comprehensive eye examinations, including visual acuity (VA), cover testing, cycloplegic refraction and dilated fundus examination.