Assessment of Optometrists’ Knowledge, Skills and Practice on Cataract: A Cross-Sectional Study from Kisumu County, Western Kenya
Abstract Background: Cataract not only contributes to blindness which is avoidable, but also impact negatively on the quality of life. The total prevalence of blindness in Kenya is estimated at 0.7%, however cataract contributes almost half (43%) of the total blindness in Kenya. Optometrists are well placed to assess and refer cataract patients however, little is known on their skills, practice and knowledge. Therefore, this study was designed to assess optometrists’ knowledge, skill and practice on cataract in Kisumu, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. The study was conducted from June 2019 to August 219 using self-administered questionnaire. Basic socio-demographic characteristics were collected and participants’ knowledge, skills and practice on cataract investigated. The primary outcome measures were the proportions of participants who identified the questions related to knowledge, skills and practice on cataract. Chi-square analysis was performed to assess the association between demographic characteristics with practice, knowledge and skills. Results: A total of 49 optometrists were interviewed with a male to female ratio of 2:1, mean age of 30.4 years and mean duration of practice of 1-10 years. Most optometrists had good knowledge on various aspects of cataract. For example (98%) had a good knowledge on the types of cataract. Almost three quarter (75.5%) of the optometrists reported that they could diagnose cataract correctly based on skills. However, half (57.1%) of the optometrists could not identify nuclear cataract. Being a self reported practice and not observed practice, most optometrists (61.2%) reported that they do not screen patients aged 40 years and above for cataract. Almost half (52.6%) of the optometrists reported that they always do a routine eye examination but they do not know the importance of examining the crystalline lens for patient above 40 years. Conclusion The study established that despite the good level of knowledge among optometrist on cataract, there exist a gap on skills and practice. The results of this study calls for more clinical based activities among optometrists and other cadres. This will eases diagnosis of cataract and its management so as to reduce its burden in Kenya.