Patients’ attitudes regarding characteristics of physicians in ophthalmology

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed to assess patient perceptions and attitudes towards physicians’ physical appearance and education in the Vitreoretinal Specialist clinic setting. 295 consecutive patients from Retina Consultants of Alabama, a Vitreoretinal Specialty practice at UAB Hospital, completed a questionnaire assessing preferences regarding physicians’ appearance and education. The main outcome measure was to determine if physical attributes and education are factors in patient preference for their Vitreoretinal Specialist. RESULTS: There were no significant desirable or undesirable physical characteristics for a Vitreoretinal Specialist in a clinical setting. However, the data indicated trends in patient preferences for Vitreoretinal Specialist attire [209 (71%) of 295 patients prefer casual dress], physical appearance [212 (72%) and 240 (81%) of 295 patients had no preference with regards to long hair and facial hair], and medical education [171 (58%) of 298 patients preferred their Specialist to be involved in research and education]. Gender, race, and age were not significantly associated with patients’ perceptions toward the Vitreoretinal Specialist’s physical appearance and education. In conclusion, Vitreoretinal Specialist’s clothing and physical attributes do not significantly influence patients’ opinion of the care they receive, although patients prefer their Specialist to be involved in research and continuing education.