Results from a survey commissioned by the American Optometric Association show that 36 percent of Americans say they’re cutting back on visits to the eye doctor and other doctors because of the recession.

The American Eye-Q survey, conducted annually by the Optometric Association, found:

• Dentist visits are most often cut. Sixty-three percent of people who responded to the survey said they visit the dentist less, primary care doctors next at 59 percent and eye doctors 52 percent.

• Only 8 percent of people are sticking with their health care routine.

• Sixty-three percent of people in rural areas cut back on seeing the eye doctor, while 50 percent of urban and suburban people reported cutting visits to the eye doctor.

The Optometrists Association says it offers several charitable programs for consumers in need of eye care. They include InfantSEE, a program for children. For information about help programs call (800) 766-4466 or for children, (888) 396-3937.

The survey spoke with 1,000 people selected to represent the American demographic with less than 5 percent margin of error.