Public＇s knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists：a critical issue in eye care service utilisation

AIM：To assess the public＇s knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists and identify the factors associated with knowledge.METHODS：The study was a population-based random survey of adults aged 18 years or older conducted in Enugu,south eastern Nigeria,between March and June,2011.Data on respondents＇ socio-demographics,clinical profile,and knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists were collected using a 28-item questionnaire.Data were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics.Values of P〈0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULTS：The respondents（P=394） comprised 198 males and 196 females（sex ratio =1.01：1）,aged 18-70（30.9 ±10.8） years.The majority of respondents were single（57.4%）,possessed secondary education（96.9%）,employed（65.2%） and had no health insurance（77.4%）.Their clinical profile showed previous eye exam 54.1%,spectacle wear 41.6%and contact lens wear 5.6%.In the multivariate analysis,participants＇ good knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists was significantly associated with educational status（OR：0.32,95%CI：0.23-0.44,P〈0.0001,β =-0.988）,employment status（OR：1.8,95%CI：1.45-2.25,P〈0.0001,β=0.124）and previous eye examination（OR：1.63,95%CI：1.29-2.07,P〈0.0001,β =0.549）.CONCLUSION：Participants＇ socio-demographic and clinical characteristics are important predictors of good knowledge.The findings may have implications for all stakeholders in eye care delivery.There is need for knowledge enhancement,by the government and eye care providers,through population-based eye health literacy campaigns.

The Clinical Burden and Spectrum of Ophthalmic Disorders in Stone Industry Employees from Nigeria

Background: Workers in the stone industry are exposed to many ocular health hazards. There is a paucity of data on the profile of ophthalmic disorders in this vulnerable group, especially in developing countries. Aim: We aimed to determine the burden and spectrum of ophthalmic disorders in stone workers in Abakiliki, Nigeria. Methods: In a population-based cross-sectional survey of stone industry workers conducted in Nigeria, between February and April 2012, relevant data from participants were collected. Descriptive and comparative statistics were performed and statistical significance was indicated by p Results: Participants (n = 384;males, 158;females, 226) were aged 32 ± 11.8 SD years (range, 14 - 68 years) and comprised 105 (27.3%) stone quarry workers and 226 (72.7%) stone processing workers. Of these, 298 (77.6%) had some form of ophthalmic disorder, which frequently involved the ocular anterior segment (69.9%) or posterior segment (4.9%). Work-related eye injuries were reported by 36.5% of employees. Leading disorders were anterior segment: pterygium-associated (37.9%). Visual impairment (2.9%) and monocular blindness (1.3%) were reported. The prevalence of eye disorders was not significantly associated with participant socio-demographic or work characteristics. Male gender (p = 0.001) and engagement in stone processing (p = 0.001) were significant predictors of work-related eye injury. Conclusions: Among stone industry workers in Abakaliki, Nigeria, there is a high prevalence of ophthalmic disorders, frequently of the ocular anterior segment, and work-related eye injuries are commonly reported. Occupational eye health education, provision of protective eye devices and appropriate ophthalmic care are suggested.