Perception of corneal extraction from cadavers among Beni-Suef University Hospital Physicians, Egypt

Objectives This study investigated the perception of healthcare physicians about cadaveric corneal extraction for corneal transplantation in Beni-Suef University Hospital, Egypt. Methods This cross-sectional study assessed physicians’ awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards cadaveric corneal extraction for transplantation. It was conducted among 104 physicians (resident doctors up to professors) in Beni-Suef University Hospital using a self-administered questionnaire, between September and November 2021. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with a confidence interval and significance level of 95% and 0.05, respectively. Results Most (93.3%) of the participants were aware of cadaveric corneal extraction. However, only 19.2% had good knowledge of corneal extraction. Participants’ knowledge showed a statistically significant negative linear correlation with age (r = − 0.339, p = 0.001), and years of experience (r = − 0.320, p = 0.001). Participants accepting corneal extraction because donated cornea can give good results (51.9% important, 29.8% very important) and it is a pleasure to help a blind person (27.9% important, 53.8% very important). The perceived barriers to corneal extraction were lack of awareness about corneal extraction (30.8% important, 26% very important) and objection to eye donation by family members (33.7% important, 25% very important). Conclusion Physicians at Beni-Suef University Hospital have inadequate understanding about cadaveric corneal extraction. Which makes them insufficiently qualified to guide and encourage corneal donation. With the right knowledge and perception, physicians can help raise awareness and encourage corneal donation while doing their daily professional duties.