Factors influencing the selection of spectacle frames and lenses – Knowledge, attitude, and practice study

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of patients toward the selection of frames and glasses and factors that influence selection options. Patients and Methods: In this questionnaire-based study comprising closed-end questions, consenting patients aged over 18 years were recruited. The association between family income and age on KAP was analyzed using Fisher’s exact test. Results: The mean (standard deviation) age of the cohort (n = 200, 97 males) was 44.6 ± 16.2 years. A majority (85%) stated that spectacles improved vision; 9% believed it would make eyes weaker. Only 39% were aware of alternate options for refractive error. The durability of the frame was a key factor in selecting frames in 47%; 44% stated they would change spectacles every year. Expensive frames, celebrity endorsement, fashion, and branding influenced choice in 35%, 13.5%, 12%, and 7.5% of the respondents, respectively. Higher annual family income (>Rs. 50,000) when compared with low income (<50,000), was associated with awareness of alternate options for refractive error (P < 0.001) and preference for celebrity-endorsed frames (P = 0.007). There was no association between income and choice of expensive frames (P = 0.16). A higher proportion of older patients (≥40 years) preferred to change glasses only on doctor’s recommendations when compared with younger patients (P = 0.006). Conclusion: Knowledge on alternate options for refractive error was poor. Celebrity endorsement, costly, fashionable, or branded frames did not appear to play an influential role in the choice of frames. High annual income families preferred celebrity-endorsed frames and were more aware of alternative options for refractive error.