Vision Statistics in Oregon

Vision health data in Oregon provides a window into how demographic shifts, economic factors, and healthcare coverage intersect to shape outcomes for individuals experiencing visual impairment. Over the years, state-level efforts have gathered a range of statistics about blindness rates, access to eye care, and demographic disparities.

This article presents a comprehensive look at the numbers behind vision health in Oregon, focusing on populations facing the greatest risks and identifying key comparative data with neighboring states and nationwide figures. Below, you will find detailed statistics organized by prevalence, disparities, access, and regional comparisons.

Key Highlights in Oregon Vision Health

Here are a few noteworthy findings that illustrate the scope of vision health data in 2025:

• 38% of blindness cases in Oregon are attributed to age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness.
• Oregon’s diabetes prevalence rose from 6.0% in 2005 to 9.2% by 2025, fueling an uptick in diabetic retinopathy cases.
• The state’s overall blindness rate is 0.21%, closely aligned with the national average of 0.24%.
• 31 years is the average age of blindness onset among Black Oregonians, 13 years earlier than White residents.

These figures set the stage for a deeper exploration of how vision health challenges play out across Oregon’s diverse populations, highlighting significant trends and disparities. The following sections detail the data behind each major aspect of the state’s vision landscape.

Prevalence and Leading Causes of Blindness

Data on primary causes helps clarify which conditions account for the highest proportion of visual impairments in Oregon.

• 38% of blindness in Oregon is linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), making it the top cause of vision loss.
• 8% of cases are attributed to diabetic retinopathy, mirroring the increasing statewide prevalence of diabetes.
• 8% of blindness arises from congenital conditions.
• Cataract-related blindness fell from 10% in the 1960s to 2% by 2025, a drop associated with expanded surgical access.
• Glaucoma remains the fifth-leading cause of blindness at 6% of cases statewide.

While AMD continues to affect many residents, diabetic retinopathy has emerged as a notable concern in parallel with rising diabetes rates. Below is a table summarizing leading causes over time.

Demographic Disparities

Examining how vision impairment varies across racial, ethnic, and income groups reveals significant gaps in Oregon.

• 31 years is the average onset age of blindness among Black Oregonians, which is 13 years younger than White residents.
• Hispanic populations see a mean onset age of 33 years, though limited access to Spanish-language telehealth tools remains a concern.
• Counties with median incomes under $50,000 report blindness rates 2.3× higher than wealthier counties.
• In lower-income groups, only 44% of diabetic patients complete annual retinopathy screenings, compared to 68% in higher-income cohorts.

These disparities underscore how social determinants—such as income inequality and healthcare accessibility—can heighten risks. The following table highlights differences in eye health outcomes among select demographic categories.

Access to Eye Care in Urban and Rural Areas

Geographic location influences availability of eye care providers and wait times for specialty services.

• 23 rural counties (approximately 650,000 residents) have only 4.54 ophthalmologists per 100,000 people.
• In contrast, urban areas average 14.88 optometrists per 100,000 people, representing significantly better provider density.
• About 32% of rural patients report consistent delays in accessing specialized eye care, primarily due to transportation challenges and cost.
• A mobile screening program reaches 12,000 adults annually in underserved regions, detecting diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

Such data illustrate persistent gaps between Oregon’s urban centers and rural communities. Despite mobile clinics, provider shortages remain a considerable barrier. Below is an overview of the provider distribution and patient accessibility figures.

Insurance Coverage and Cost Factors

Financial accessibility plays a major role in whether individuals pursue needed eye care.

• The Oregon Health Plan covers medical eye exams and basic corrective lenses, but excludes certain non-pregnant adults from additional treatments.
• 22% of enrollees have postponed eye care due to prior authorization requirements.
• 15% of enrollees cite copays or out-of-pocket costs as reasons for delaying appointments.
• OHP reimburses only 65% of low-vision aids, whereas some neighboring states offer 100% coverage.

Many individuals remain underinsured for specialized treatments, raising the risk of late-stage diagnoses. The table below summarizes coverage metrics and common patient concerns regarding affordability.

Regional Comparisons and Screening Rates

In a broader context, Oregon’s statistics on vision health and eye care differ from nearby states and the national average.

• Oregon’s optometrist density is 14.88 per 100,000, below the national average of 16.16 and behind Washington’s 18.2.
• California leads the region with 20.1 optometrists per 100,000, and Hawaii ranks highest at 24.6.
• Oregon’s 0.21% blindness rate nearly matches the 0.24% national figure, but lags behind Washington at 0.18%.
• Nevada’s blindness rate is 0.29%, higher than Oregon’s, due in part to limited mobile clinic programs.
• Oregon mandates vision screenings in grades K–5, while Idaho and Nevada have no statewide requirement, impacting early detection rates.

Comparative data underscores how local policies, healthcare investments, and school-based screening programs influence each state’s overall blindness rates. The following table provides a concise view of optometrist density and blindness prevalence across the West Coast region.

Key Statistics Summary

• AMD remains the largest contributor to blindness in Oregon at 38%.
• Diabetes prevalence climbed to 9.2% by 2025, intensifying diabetic retinopathy cases.
• Oregon’s blindness rate stands at 0.21%, close to the U.S. average of 0.24%.
• Lower-income counties experience 2.3× higher blindness rates than affluent areas.
• Black residents face an earlier onset of blindness (31 years) compared to White residents (44 years).

Overall, these data points highlight how medical advances have reduced certain types of preventable blindness even as demographic and economic shifts introduce new challenges. Oregon continues to track, compare, and refine its vision health efforts based on ongoing statistical trends.