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Introduction: Uncorrected refractive errors pose a significant challenge globally, particularly in remote regions of low-middle income countries where access to optometric care is often limited. Telerefraction, which involves refraction by a trained technician followed by real-time consultation with remote optometrist, is a promising approach for such remote settings. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of this model. Methods: This prospective study, conducted in New Delhi, compared tele-refraction to in-person examinations. Trained technicians used a simple device, Click-check, to perform objective refraction and a tele-refraction platform to enter the findings of objective refraction. Final prescription was made after consulting a remote optometrist on that platform. Masked face-to-face optometrists served as the gold standard. The study involved refraction in 222 patients and 428 eyes. Results: Tele-refraction demonstrated a strong agreement with in-person optometry, achieving 84.6% in spherical correction and 81% conformity in spherical equivalent. The mean difference of spherical equivalent between the two arms was only 0.11 D. The consultation with a remote optometrist improved conformity of spherical equivalent by 14.8% over objective refraction. 82 percent eyes matched in best corrected visual acuity and 92 percent were within 0.1 logMAR difference. For cylindrical axis, 74% eye were within acceptable 10 degrees of difference. The mismatch amongst the individual trained technicians, in terms of difference between the tele-refraction arm and the face-to face optometrist arm was found to be significant for cylindrical axis and not for spherical power and spherical equivalent. Conclusion: Our study found tele-refraction by a trained technician comparable to refraction done by face-to-face optometrist. Tele-refraction, coupled with remote optometrist guidance can address the optometry resource gap in underserved areas. Thus, this model offers a transformative approach to enhancing the accessibility and quality of eye care services, which can significantly contribute to our efforts in achieving the global targets set by the World Health Organization for effective refractive error coverage. More standardized training for these technicians on ClickCheckTM for detecting the cylindrical axis with better accuracy, can improve this model further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In Canada, teaching in paediatric eye care has increased in the past decade both within the optometry curriculum and as continuing education to optometrists. Paediatric vision care guidelines have also been established by North American optometric associations. This study examined whether this exposure was associated with changes in paediatric eye care in Canada over a 14‐year period. Methods: Canadian optometrists were invited to participate in an anonymous 35‐item survey in 2007 and 2021. The surveys sought to investigate optometrist's recommendations for first eye examinations, the number of paediatric patients seen in a typical week and preparedness to provide eye examinations to children. Response frequencies were determined for each survey item. Results: Across Canada, 133/1000 (13.3%) and 261/~6419 (~4.1%) optometrists responded to the survey in 2007 and 2021, respectively. No significant difference was found in the number of years practicing, days per week in practice and total number of patients seen per week. The modal age optometrists recommended children be seen for their first eye examination changed from 3–4 years in 2007 (53%) to 6–12 months in 2021 (61%). In 2007, 87% of respondents provided eye examinations to children <2 years, increasing to 94% in 2021 (p = 0.02). Despite a reduction in the recommended age between the two survey years, the most frequent age children were seen for their first eye examination was 3‐4 years (30% in both surveys) and the most common age seen in a typical week remained unchanged (4–6 years—56% 2007; 66% 2021). Conclusion: Although optometrists' willingness to provide paediatric eye care increased over the past 14 years, the number of children seen in a typical week did not change. Barriers to determine why more children are not being seen at an earlier age need to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of the professional perspective of vision therapy (VT) by eye care professionals allows understanding the current controversies about this therapeutic option of which aspects can be improved for its correct application in clinical practice. The aim of the current study was to analyse the perception of VT and the clinical protocols in this context followed among optometrists and ophthalmologists in Spain. A cross-sectional survey among Spanish optometrists and ophthalmologists. Google Forms tool was used to collect data via an online questionnaire divided into 4 sections (40 questions): consent to participate, demographic characteristics, opinion of the professional perspective of VT, and protocols. Only one submission from each email address was permitted by the survey tool. A total of 889 Spanish professionals answered (age, 25–62 years): 848 optometrists (95.4%) and 41 ophthalmologists (4.6%). VT was considered as a scientifically-based procedure by 95.1% of participants, but its recognition and prestige was considered as low. The main cause reported for this was bad reputation or perception of placebo therapy (27.3%). The main indication of VT according to the surveyed professionals was convergence and/or accommodation problems (72.4%). Significant differences were found in the perception of VT among optometrists and ophthalmologists (p ≤ 0.027). A total of 45.3% of professionals reported performing VT in their current clinical practice. A combination of training sessions in office and home was regularly prescribed by 94.5% of them, but with significant variability in the duration of such sessions. VT is perceived by Spanish optometrists and ophthalmologists as a therapeutic option with scientific basis, but with limited recognition and prestige, although with more negative perception among ophthalmologists. A great variability was found in the clinical protocols followed between specialists. Future efforts should be focused on creating internationally recognised evidence-based protocols for this therapeutic option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of clinical guidelines in India for the prescription of blue-blocking lenses. Therefore, the practice trends will depend on practitioners' knowledge, attitude, and perception. Exposure to blue light with increased use of light-emitting diode (LED) lights and digital devices along with the commercial availability of blue blocking lenses has warranted the need to understand the factors that influence the prescription of blue blocking lenses among eye care practitioners. Hence, we aim to assess knowledge, perception, and practice pattern of blue blocking lenses among Indian optometrists. This cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Indian Optometrists. The survey was distributed through various social groups of optometrists and state associations. The questionnaire had four main domains with 29 items in total. The four major domains were knowledge, practice, perception and demographic details on education. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were performed to study the impact of these domains on the prescription of blue block lenses. Out of 341 responses, 247 were included for analysis as per study criteria. About 50% (n = 123) of the participants had appropriate knowledge about blue light. Blue-blocking lenses were prescribed always or most of the time by 52% (n = 130) of the participants. The odds of prescribing blue blocking lenses were higher among practitioners who considered blue light as an important factor in causing computer vision syndrome (OR 3.77, 95% CI: 1.33–10.69, P = 0.01) or if they considered there is adequate published evidence (OR 3.95, 95% CI: 1.58–9.87, P = 0.003). The source of evidence for prescribing blue-blocking lenses for our participants was mainly from advertisements rather than from scientific studies. Factors such as awareness, knowledge, education, and nature of practice did not play a significant role in prescribing blue-blocking lenses. This raises the need for evidence-based practice and the development of practice guidelines for prescribing blue-blocking lenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to allied health services offers significant benefits for people living with dementia, yet access is currently fragmented and inconsistent. The 2023–2024 budget allocated AU$445 million to further enable general practice-led, multidisciplinary teams, with integrated care located within practices, including employment of allied health professionals. Such team care models are recognised by The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners as vital to delivery of high-quality care for older adults. They are especially relevant for over 250,000 Australians who live with dementia in the community. However, not all allied health professionals are currently based within general practices. Future, sustainable general practice-led models of multidisciplinary care that connect patients with external allied health providers could be considered for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to care. Our focus is on people living with dementia, who are at greater risk of preventable vision impairment. Poor vision and/or ocular health can be detected and managed through regular eye examinations, which are predominantly delivered by community-based optometrists in Australia, in a primary care capacity. However, people living with dementia are also less likely to have regular eye examinations. In this paper, we highlight the value of ensuring access to primary eye care services as part of post-diagnosis dementia care. We illustrate the important role of primary care practitioners in building and sustaining connections with allied health professions, like optometry, through effective referral and interprofessional communication systems. This can help break down access barriers to dementia-friendly eye care, through promoting the importance of regular eye tests for people living with dementia. Access to allied health services offers significant benefits for people living with dementia, yet access is currently fragmented and inconsistent. People living with dementia are at greater risk of experiencing vision impairment, preventable through regular eye examinations usually provided by community-based optometrists in a primary care capacity. We encourage all primary care practitioners to 'think vision' when consulting with people living with dementia, and advocate for a schedule of regular eye tests post-diagnosis. This article belongs to the Collection Access to Primary Health Care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With advances in gene‐based therapies for heritable retinal diseases, primary eye care clinicians should be informed on ocular genetics topics. This cross‐sectional survey evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and concerns regarding genetic testing and gene therapy for retinal diseases among optometrists in Australia and New Zealand. Survey data included practitioner background, attitudes and practices towards genetic testing for monogenic inherited retinal disease (IRDs) and age‐related macular degeneration, and knowledge of ocular genetics and gene therapy. Responses were received from 516 optometrists between 1 April and 31 December 2022. Key perceived barriers to accessing genetic testing were lack of clarity on referral pathways (81%), cost (65%), and lack of treatment options if a genetic cause is identified (50%). Almost all respondents (98%) believed that ophthalmologists should initiate genetic testing for IRDs and fewer understood the role of genetic counsellors and clinical geneticists. This study found that optometrists in Australia and New Zealand have a high level of interest in ocular genetics topics. However, knowledge gaps include referral pathways and awareness of genetic testing and gene therapy outcomes. Addressing perceived barriers to access and promoting sharing of knowledge between interdisciplinary networks can set the foundation for genetic education agendas in primary eye care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To provide a comparative analysis of rates of laser trabeculoplasty (LTP) among eye care providers in the USA. Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis utilized the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Public Use File (PUF), 2015– 2018. We used CPT code 65855 to select eye care providers who performed LTP in three key US states (KY, LA, and OK). Primary outcomes were eye provider differences in provider count, service count, unique beneficiary count, and Medicare-allowed payments. Asymptotic two-sided chi-squared tests were executed. Statistical significance was achieved at p< 0.05. Results: The sum of Medicare-allowed payments for LTP in all three states in 2018 was roughly 26% lower than in 2015. The proportion of Medicare-allowed payments furnished by optometrists increased from 11.3% to 17.9% between 2015 and 2018 (p< 0.001). Relative to ophthalmologists, we observed significant increases in optometric Medicare-allowed payments in KY, LA, OK, and the all-inclusive tri-state cohort (all p< 0.001). Furthermore, significant optometric increases in number of providers performing LTP (p=0.007), number of unique Medicare beneficiaries seen (p< 0.001), and number of LTP services billed (p< 0.001) were observed relative to ophthalmologists. Conclusion: The recent expansion of surgical authority by optometrists in key US states is creating a tangible impact on ophthalmologic and optometric practice patterns. The findings of this study may act as provision for policymakers in the context of continually evolving guidelines for optometric surgical expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge of and perceived barriers to providing low vision services among eye care practitioners in Goa. Methods: A pretested and predesigned questionnaire was sent to 72 eye care practitioners, which included the optometrists and ophthalmologists working in Goa, through offline and online (social media like WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.) platforms. Information was collected to understand the barriers that restrict eye care practitioners from providing low vision services. Results: Seventy-two participants took part in this study, of which 26.39% (n=19) were ophthalmologists and 73.61% (n=53) were optometrists. From the practitioner's point of view, lack of awareness (70.83%, n=51) and training (68.06%, n=49) were the major barriers to providing low vision services. Conclusion: A lack of awareness and training facilities among eye care practitioners acts as a barrier to providing low vision services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current levels of appropriateness for primary diabetic eyecare delivered by Australian optometrists are presented along with realistic targets (benchmarks) for quality improvement. The demonstrated methods can be used in practice evaluation and benchmarking of other clinical practice areas and settings. To examine the appropriateness of diabetic eye-care delivery and establish achievable benchmarks of care (ABCs) for optometry practices in Australia. In a retrospective audit, clinical records of patients with type-II diabetes obtained from a randomly selected nationally representative sample of optometry practices were assessed against evidence-based clinical indicators. Appropriate care is defined as care delivered in compliance with the indicators. The ABC for each indicator was calculated as the average performance for the top 10% of optometry practices after Bayesian adjustment to account for a low number of eligible records. The audit of 420 randomly selected patient records from 42 practices against 12 clinical indicators showed an overall appropriateness of 69% (95% confidence interval (CI) 66%, 73%) for overall diabetic eye care. While a high level of appropriateness was identified for recall period (93%, 95% CI 85%, 100%) and referral (100%, 95% CI 38%, 100%), larger gaps existed in history taking (46%, 95% CI 44%, 52%), dilated fundus examination (80%, 95% CI 76%, 84%) and iris examination (0%, 95% CI 0%, 56%). The ABCs for 8 of 12 indicators were 100%, and the remaining three indicators had ABCs above 80%. An ABC for the iris examination indicator could not be calculated owing to the low number of eligible patient record cards. This study demonstrated a systematic process of practice evaluation and benchmarking in optometry practices. The diabetic eye care delivered by Australian optometrists was largely appropriate; however, improvement opportunities exist for history taking and physical examination. The ABCs demonstrate that excellence in primary diabetic eye care is attainable and will serve as an important tool in future initiatives to reduce the identified evidence-to-practice gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School eye screening is a crucial strategy in the elimination of childhood blindness because of its ability to reach out to children who are otherwise inaccessible to eye care needs. Comprehensive screening programs are recommended and are beneficial, but the economic aspects of such models remain to be understood. This study aimed to analyse the cost of a comprehensive school eye screening model while utilizing optometrists and optometry students. This cross-sectional study was conducted for 295 schools screened in the academic year 2018–2019. The analysis was performed from the service provider's perspective including only the direct costs. Financial records were used for cost estimates. The outcome measures were cost per school and child, predictors for the cost, DALYs averted, cost of childhood blindness, and Benefit–Cost Ratio. A total of 65 094 children underwent screening from 295 schools. The median (IQR) cost per school and child for screening was $29.65 (29.65–44.34) and $0.66 (0.32–1.13). The regression model predicted that the cost of screening was dependent on school strength, number of screening personnel, distance of the schools, and deliverables. With the interventions to improve compliance, 14686.30 DALYs have been averted. Loss of productivity due to childhood blindness was estimated to be $339070.83. Screening for colour vision also had a Benefit–Cost ratio of greater than one. Cost of screening was low and the benefits were high while utilising optometrist and optometry students along with a comprehensive screening protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to describe visual performance and the need for vision care services among Finnish older people receiving home care. We evaluated the applicability of the Resident Assessment Instrument of Home Care (RAI HC) in identifying visual impairment (VI) and the need for vision care services among older people. Design: A descriptive quantitative, cross‐sectional design. Methods: Visual impairment and the need for vision care services for older people receiving home care (N = 70) were determined by an optometrist's screening examination and vision assessment by home care workers using the RAI HC instrument. In this study, the definition of visual impairment was visual acuity (VA) <0.63 (logMAR >0.2). Results: According to the distance VA measurements, 41% of the participants showed VI (<0.63) of the better eye, while the RAI HC assessment revealed VI among 36% of the participants. The Kappa value for interrater reliability in classifying VI was 0.137. The optometrist's vision screening examination recognized a previously unknown and unmet need for vision care services more than twice as often as the RAI HC assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaboration between hospital-based ophthalmology and community-based optometry could pave the way to improve access to paediatric eyecare services. The Paediatric Optometry Alignment Program (POAP) began in 2016 as a proof-of-concept pilot project that aimed to improve access to specialist paediatric ophthalmology services. If found to be effective at improving patient access, and the quality of care acceptable to patients and professionals then the strategic intent was to upscale the programme to serve as a model for paediatric eye care in the community. Temporal observational trend analysis was used to review ophthalmology clinic appointment waitlists prior and post POAP pilot project commencement. Family satisfaction with post-discharge care was surveyed in a purposive sample of 30 patients. Aligned optometrists in the program pilot (n = 97) were invited to complete an online survey (response rate 46%; n = 45). The percentage of children waiting longer than clinically recommended fell from 72% to 36%. Sixty-seven percent of surveyed families had attended a community optometrist as recommended, and all rated the optometry experience from good to excellent. Participating optometrists reported high levels of satisfaction with involvement in the program, and increased confidence and involvement in paediatric eye care delivery. The need to improve formal transfer of clinical information was identified. Facilitated integrated care between community-based optometrists and a hospital-based ophthalmology department can improve access for tertiary care services, with high satisfaction for families and participating community-based optometrists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Private healthcare in South Africa is largely financed by medical schemes. Optometrists reluctantly contract with administrators and networks to service these patients, despite them feeling networks are undesirable and exploitative. Networks contend that various mechanisms employed are necessary to ensure sustainability and prevent fraud, wastage and abuse. A working relationship between practitioners and networks should ideally be cordial and appreciated by each party as being mutually beneficial to the success of their respective businesses. Aim: To assess practitioners' knowledge and perceptions regarding optometric networks. Setting: The study was conducted amongst optometric professionals in the private sector in South Africa. Methods: A descriptive, mixed-method study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Interviews with senior personnel from the networks were conducted. Results: Approximately 77% of respondents belonged to networks with 91% being knowledgeable about networks and their role within optometry. Opticlear had 72% members, while Iso Leso and preferred provider negotiators (PPN) had 67% and 41%, respectively. Most optometrists (69%) neither believed in the need for networks nor that they provide value to the profession, while 94.7% joined networks merely to receive direct payment and access patients, with no other benefits noted. Conclusion: Practitioners reluctantly contract to networks for direct payment and to access patients. Furthermore, practitioners feel that networks bully and victimise them while networks highlight their responsibility to reduce healthcare costs and negative practices of fraud, waste and abuse. Contribution: Providing sustainable, cost-effective and quality eye care services requires collaboration between networks and practitioners and appreciating each other's roles in the delivery of eye care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, contact lenses are an important part of the management process for refractive errors. Contact lenses are accepted widely in developed countries, but they are currently less used in developing countries like Kenya. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAP) (both pre- and post-education) to contact lens uptake specifically for correction of refractive errors by patients attending a Kenyan University Eye Clinic. Setting: Academic Vision Centre, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Methods: A quasi-experimental cross-sectional study was performed by reviewing all records from February 2014 to March 2020; 360 records were purposively selected. Thereafter, a structured questionnaire with educative content on contact lenses was administered by phone and online to determine KAP. Responses were collected over a period of one month. Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions were categorised and scored, and descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were used for data analysis. Results: More women (58.3%) and mostly students (59.2%) participated, with ages from 16 to 38 years (mean age and standard deviation of 22.85 ± 4.32). Overall, there was poor knowledge of contact lenses for refractive errors (96.7%). Attitudes to contact lenses were unfavourable, both pre- and post-education (94.7% and 92.8%). Perceptions of contact lens uptake were negative pre-education (92.5%) but positive post-education (95.3%). Conclusion: Education changed perceptions of contact lens usage for refractive errors correction, but even with some focused education, negative attitudes and poor knowledge regarding contact lenses persisted in the sample. Practitioners should inform patients about contact lenses as a possibility for refractive error management, and institutions training eye care providers should consolidate their clinical teaching regarding contact lenses. Contribution: This study showed that the more people with refractive errors are knowledgeable about contact lenses, the more uptake of contact lenses will happen, optometrists and ophthalmologists should educate people more on contact lenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Ophthalmologists/Optometrists have a high incidence of neck pain. Little research has been conducted on specific equipment that predisposes these professionals to cervical discomfort. OBJECTIVE: Primary purpose: to determine if neck position is altered by slit lamp table design. Secondary purpose: to confirm the prevalence of neck pain in eye care professionals. METHODS: A survey of work-related pain was administered to 36 subjects (8 ophthalmologist, 2 optometrists, 26 technicians). The craniovertebral (CV) angle was measured in each subject in three separate positions (resting posture, best posture, slit lamp posture) between two different slit lamps/tables: slit lamp-deep and slit lamp-shallow. RESULTS: 79% of subjects reported neck pain in the last 6 months. The mean CV angle of all subjects at resting posture, best posture, and both slit lamp postures differed significantly. There was also a difference in CV angle between slit lamps. CONCLUSION: Neck pain is more prevalent in eye professionals than in the general population. The use of slit lamps promotes a forward head posture which decreases the CV angle, putting the user at risk for neck pain. By altering slit lamp table design, the CV angle of eye care professionals can be increased, reducing the risk for neck injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwan has one of the highest myopia prevalences in the world and its eye care services are provided by both ophthalmologists and optometrists. The law on the practice of optometry was passed on December 18, 2015, by the legislature; thus began a new chapter for the development of optometry. This note aims to share some information about this newly recognized eye care profession in Taiwan and share some thoughts on the future development of the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialised Independent Prescribing (IP) community optometrists provided acute eye care during the COVID-19 crisis ensuring that over-stretched hospital emergency eye care was supported, therefore local overall urgent eye care provision was not affected. Number of cases seen by hospital Rapid Access Clinic (RAC) between January 2020 and June 2020 were compared to number of cases seen by IP optometrists in community Acute Primary Care Ophthalmology Service (APCOS) during the same time period. Specifically, comparisons were made between the number of cases seen in RAC and the number of cases seen by APCOS during the period before COVID-19 emergency (January–March 2020) and for a similar timeframe thereafter (April–June 2020). Numbers treated by APCOS alone and those referred to RAC were also determined. The change in case numbers between the different healthcare settings was also studied. Increase in cases seen by APCOS between April (n = 391) and June (n = 641). Number of cases seen by RAC declined from 652 in March to 372 in April, increasing to 610 by June. This was still below maximum number of monthly cases seen by RAC pre-lockdown in January (861). Most of the cases seen by APCOS were managed in the community with 4% referred to RAC. Ophthalmology services delivered by IP specialised optometrists can safely and efficiently treat and manage the vast majority of urgent cases and mitigate the reduced capacity within hospital emergency eye clinics. Our experience provides insights into care pathways for urgent eye cases in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite internationally recognized guidelines, amblyopia management varies among eye care professionals worldwide. Hence, we sought to investigate the practice patterns of amblyopia management and the factors associated with the decision to treat amblyopia among optometrists in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among registered optometrists in Ghana from January 2020 to October 2020. Data collection was done through the administration of online questionnaires via e-mail (google form). The structured questionnaires included demographic information, mode, and scope of practice, diagnostic criteria, examination procedures, treatment modalities, and prognosis. A p value of less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. The mean (±SD) age of all the 168 respondents was 32.6 (±6.1) years (range: 24–50 years). The majority of the optometrists (64.9%) treated amblyopia in their practice; with the most prevalent being refractive amblyopia (68.2%), followed by strabismic amblyopia (27.1%), then form-deprivation amblyopia (4.7%). Most (76.1%) amblyopic patients presented with symptomatic squinting. The most common ocular and medical history was anisometropia (90.0%), and the most common diagnostic procedures were patient history, visual acuity, and refraction. Optical correction (88.3%) was mainly prescribed for amblyopia treatment, followed by patching (58.5%). Nearly half of the respondent (45.0%) reported good prognosis after amblyopia treatment. After statistical adjustment, female optometrists were significantly associated with decreased odds of treating amblyopia (AOR = 0.36, p =.004). Refractive amblyopia is the main type of amblyopia managed by optometrists in Ghana. Hence, optical correction is the primary treatment regime. Current amblyopia management practice among optometrists adhere to recommended guidelines and our findings demonstrate uniformity in the standard of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are close to two billion individuals globally living with presbyopia. In spite of its ubiquitous and progressive nature, there is no widely accepted, formal guideline or consensus statement on the classification of presbyopia by degree of severity. A panel of leading eye care professionals representing both optometrists and ophthalmologists convened virtually to discuss and document their combined assessments from the body of literature and clinical practice expertise in this commentary. In light of emerging therapies, classifying presbyopia by mild, moderate, or advanced severity may help provide consistency of diagnosis among eye care providers and may aid in managing patient expectations with different treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing focus on the value of real-world clinical registry data in multiple medical disciplines, including ophthalmology. However, disease-focused clinical registries that engage optometrists are rare. This paper introduces the Optometry Module of the Save Sight Keratoconus Registry (SSKR) and highlights the potential advantages it can offer to optometrists for improving their quality of patient care and for engaging in research. Optometrists are primary eye care providers and have a major role in providing clinical care to people with keratoconus. The SSKR system has been developed to collects high-quality information on essential clinical parameters including patient-reported outcomes (i.e., quality of life data). The real-world data from the Optometry Module of the SSKR can be analysed to obtain insights into contemporary optometry keratoconus practice, and be used to identify opportunities for improving clinical care. Optometrists' engagement with the registry supports reflective clinical practice through real-time benchmarking. Optometrists can use the registry system to track patient outcomes, and it provides a framework for educating patients about their keratoconus journey. The system also captures details relating to patient adverse events, with subsequent data analysis enabling risk factors for such events to be identified. In summary, the Optometry Module of the SSKR captures real-world clinical evidence that has the potential to inform practice improvement, facilitate safety surveillance and enable outcomes research in keratoconus, all with the ultimate intent of enhancing care for people living with keratoconus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess safety practices among eye care workers in Nigeria during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study. A structured electronic questionnaire was distributed among eye care workers (ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses) across the six geographical zones of Nigeria. Information on socio-demographics, COVID-19 infection, current working conditions and safety practices were obtained. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc. Chicago Illinois, USA) for windows, version 22. Results: A total of 236 eye care workers participated in the study; their mean (±SD) age was 37.13 (±8.141) years, 125 (53%) were females, and 145 (61.4%) worked in a tertiary care hospital. All participants described COVID-19 as a viral disease and 98.3% agreed that the disease can affect the eyes. Outpatient clinic consultation was recorded as the highest (77.7%) service provided during the pandemic. Regarding preventive practices, 95% of eye care workers wore facemasks, 82.4% wore gloves during ophthalmic examination and Hazmat suit was the least used protective device (2.5%). About three-quarters (77.5%) reported feeling unsafe in their working environment and 63.9% were dissatisfied with the personal protective device provided by hospitals to eye care workers. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge for eye care workers; with the practice of ophthalmology posing a high risk of transmission of the virus. Efforts should be made to provide the required personal protective devices needed for optimum protection of eye care workers in healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unforeseen circumstance of income loss from Medicare rebates and the additional cost per patient in the form of personal protective equipment and use of disposable contact equipment means that optometrists and practice owners will need to develop financially sustainable strategies to ensure that they can continue to safely provide effective primary eye care. Keywords: Coronavirus; eye care; personal protective equipment; primary care; SARS-CoV-2 EN Coronavirus eye care personal protective equipment primary care SARS-CoV-2 728 733 6 08/03/21 20211101 NES 211101 Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), first identified in December 2019. A similar approach has been previously described for self-tonometry using devices like the Icare HOME.[13],[14] Like any health care plan involving patient compliance, the deployment of remote testing technologies still requires patients to use the devices in an accurate and timely fashion to maximise their effectiveness and validity. Could telehealth help eye care practitioners adapt contact lens services during the COVID-19 pandemic?. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the crucial connection between vision care and dementia, highlighting the increased risk of cognitive decline associated with impaired eyesight. Topics discussed include the pivotal role of optometrists in routine monitoring for age-related eye conditions, facilitating regular eye care for individuals living with dementia, and promoting awareness among healthcare professionals about the intersection of eyesight and cognitive health.

Regarding the education and clinical training of eye care professionals in Africa, positive changes are occurring locally and across the continent to improve and expand the quality of the courses and programmes on offer and as the number of institutions and academics and professionals improve we can also anticipate that the quality of undergraduate and postgraduate education and clinical preparation and overall abilities of eye care practitioners will similarly grow and thereby increase diversity of opportunities and activities in eye and vision care across Africa. Prof. Alan Rubin, Editor I African Vision Eye Health i Footnotes 1 How to cite this article: Rubin A. Ocular Therapeutics for Optometry in Africa. Although the process is slow and there remain many hurdles and some opposition, expansion of the scope of optometric practice to include ocular therapeutics is increasingly happening in South Africa and other parts of Africa. [Extracted from the article]