Vision health in Vermont presents a unique data landscape shaped by an aging population, predominantly rural counties, and high insurance coverage levels. The information below details recent trends in eye disease prevalence, demographic impacts, and access to care factors that define the state’s current ocular health situation.
While Vermont’s overall insurance coverage exceeds national averages, emerging data on diabetic retinal disease, age-related macular degeneration, and other vision challenges signal the importance of examining numerical trends. The sections that follow compile the most recent statistics on these issues in a clear, concise format.
Quick Noteworthy Statistics
- 95% of Vermont residents have health insurance, compared to 88% nationally
- 1.62% total vision loss rate in Vermont, exceeding nearby states (1.11% in New Hampshire, 1.23% in Massachusetts)
- 94% growth in diabetic retinal disease since 2007
- 0 full-time equivalent optometrists per 100,000 residents in Essex and Grand Isle counties
The following sections break down these statistics by coverage and vision loss rates, age-related conditions, diabetic retinal disease, racial disparities, and workforce distribution. Each area includes supporting data tables and short explanations to clarify the numbers presented.
Coverage and Vision Loss Overview
State-level insurance coverage and vision impairment rates provide a fundamental snapshot of Vermont’s ocular health.
- Vermont has 95% insurance coverage, surpassing the 88% national average
- Overall vision loss in Vermont stands at 1.62%, in contrast to 1.11% in New Hampshire and 1.23% in Massachusetts
- Rural counties in Vermont experience higher percentages of unmet vision care needs due to fewer providers
- Some counties report 0 optometrists per 100,000 residents, creating “care deserts”
These statistics highlight the strong overall insurance coverage yet illustrate noteworthy gaps in access to eye care in certain parts of the state.
| Location | Insurance Coverage (%) | Vision Loss Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | 95 | 1.62 |
| New Hampshire | ~91 | 1.11 |
| Massachusetts | ~97 | 1.23 |
As reflected above, Vermont’s coverage rate remains high, but its vision loss percentage outpaces that of nearby states, indicating the need to examine contributing factors.
Age-Related Eye Conditions
The state’s growing older adult population aligns closely with rising cases of conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and cataracts.
- Vermont’s 65+ population is projected to grow by 75% between 2013 and 2030
- Age-related macular degeneration prevalence is 12.6% nationally (age 40+), compared to a projected 15.2% in Vermont by 2025
- Glaucoma affects 3.1% of Vermont seniors versus the 2.56% national average
- Cataract-related surgical demand rose by 22% since 2015
These age-related conditions drive higher demand for ophthalmologic services, especially in rural areas with limited specialists.
| Condition | National Prevalence (%) | Vermont Prevalence (%) |
|---|---|---|
| AMD (40+) | 12.6 | 15.2 (projected) |
| Glaucoma (40+) | 2.56 | 3.1 (seniors only) |
Rural residents often face longer wait times for procedures like cataract surgery, averaging 18 weeks outside urban hubs versus 6 weeks in Chittenden County.
Diabetic Retinal Disease & Racial Disparities
Diabetic complications and disproportionate care challenges affect both the broader Vermont population and historically marginalized groups.
- Diabetic retinal disease prevalence rose from 10.9% in 2007 to 20.8% in 2021, marking a 94% increase
- Among Medicaid recipients, 32% do not adhere to annual eye exam recommendations
- Progression of diabetic retinal disease is 68% higher in counties with higher-income demographics (above $75k)
- Black Vermonters experience glaucoma prevalence of 3.15%, compared to 1.42% among White Vermonters
- They also face 42% longer wait times for glaucoma surgery
These findings underscore the intersection of socioeconomic factors, racial disparities, and disease-specific outcomes across Vermont.
| Indicator | Rate or Change |
|---|---|
| Diabetic Retinal Disease Growth (2007–2021) | +94% |
| Non-Adherence to Annual Eye Exams (Medicaid) | 32% |
| Black vs. White Glaucoma Prevalence | 3.15% vs. 1.42% |
| Black vs. White Glaucoma Surgery Wait Times | +42% Longer |
Addressing diabetic retinal disease and disparate glaucoma treatment rates remains a crucial data point in understanding Vermont’s overall vision health landscape.
Access to Care and Workforce Distribution
Data on care availability, especially in rural counties, reflects how workforce patterns impact statewide vision health outcomes.
- Essex and Grand Isle counties show 0 optometrist full-time equivalents per 100,000 residents
- County-level variations in vision care are stark, with some central regions reporting far shorter wait times for surgeries than the state’s rural areas
- Nearly 29.4% of Vermont’s optometrists are approaching retirement, intensifying future capacity concerns
- Despite high insurance coverage rates, patients in underserved regions must often travel multiple hours for specialty care
The following data table showcases disparities in optometrist availability by county and the corresponding effect on wait times for standard procedures.
| County | OD FTE per 100,000 | Avg. Procedure Wait (weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Essex | 0 | 16–18 |
| Grand Isle | 0 | 15–18 |
| Chittenden | 14 | 6 |
| Franklin | 9 | 9–10 |
Such wide gaps in optometrist density illustrate how rural communities grapple with longer wait times and more challenging travel to receive specialized eye care.
Key Statistics Summary
- 95% insurance coverage statewide
- Up to 1.62% overall vision loss rate
- 94% increase in diabetic retinal disease prevalence since 2007
- 3.15% glaucoma prevalence among Black Vermonters, more than double White rates
- Cataract surgery wait times climb to 18 weeks in rural areas
In summary, Vermont data show robust insurance coverage but persistent geographic and demographic disparities. Rising demand for cataract surgeries, growing diabetic retinal disease prevalence, and higher glaucoma rates underscore the significance of ongoing vision health monitoring. Collectively, these numbers highlight the need for continued data-driven insights on the state’s ocular health infrastructure.
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