PURPOSE: To evaluate the percentage of ophthalmologic patients who search for a second opinion and to verify the main reason for this search. METHODS: The methodology of the present study consists of a direct interview with 806 ophthalmologic patients, attended at a specialized hospital, through an adequately elaborated questionnaire, containing variables that can be related to the search for this second opinion. RESULTS: It was observed that 32% of the ophthalmologic patients ask for a second opinion and, of these, 31% search for other physicians in order to confirm the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Most search for the second opinion in Ophthalmology is directly linked to the doctor/patient relationship. Such situation serves to warn the present professional teaching, pointing to the need for dedication, effort and greater investment in learning, regarding both the present and the future professionals. In addition, it is important to emphasize the necessity in improving the working conditions and wages. Maybe, the review of these aspects can contribute to decrease the mentioned problems.
Referral and consultation; Physician-patient relations; Patients; Patient acceptance of health care; Questionnaires
