Knowledge of Ocular prosthesis among students of Optical Dispensary Technology, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria

Background: Ocular prosthesis (OP) is produced and fitted by eye care personnel called Ocularist. OP is made from cryolite glass or acrylic resin. OP can either be customized or stock and it is commonly inserted by 6-8 weeks following destructive ocular surgery. Aim: The aim of this study was to ascertain the knowledge and awareness of ocular prosthesis among students of School of Optical Dispensary Technology, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over 3 months (1st April 2022-30th June 2022) among the students of School of Optical dispensary technology using self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaires extracted information on the socio-demographic characteristics such as age, sex, tribe, religion, marital status, year of study and knowledge of ocular prosthesis among the students. Data was analyzed using SPPS version 21. Results: One hundred and thirteen questionnaires were distributed to all the students in the school and 97 students participated in the study leading to a response rate of 86 %. There were 47(48.5%) males and 50 (51.5%) females aged between 16 - 40 (mean age 24±5) years. Most of the participants 72 (74.2%) agreed that eye care (management of patient with eye problem) is a team work. Most (67, 69%) participants have heard about ocular prosthesis mainly through Seminar/Teaching (32%) and television (26%). Overall, third year students had adequate knowledge (73%) of ocular prosthesis compared with second year (49%) and first year (43%) students. Conclusion: The awareness of ocular prosthesis among students of School of Optical dispensary technology Birnin Kebbi appeared better with number of years spent in the school. The importance of seminar/teaching and television in the dissemination of health information is underscored.