Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of glaucoma among different cadres of optometrists.

PURPOSE

To assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and clinical practice of glaucoma among optometry students and optometry practitioners with different years of clinical experience and academic background.

METHODS

A survey with 20 questions on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of glaucoma was prepared and self-administered to optometry students and optometry practitioners practicing in an eye hospital/clinic/optical with varied years of clinical experience and education qualification.

RESULTS

Among the 558 participants, 57% were optometry practitioners and 43% were students. The knowledge scores among optometry practitioners increased significantly with an increase in the years of clinical experience (P < 0.001). Participants with master's degrees scored higher than participants with bachelor's degrees (P = 0.12). There was no statistically significant difference in knowledge scores based on the type of clinical practice - hospital, private practice, or optical (P = 0.39). Practicing optometrists who performed slit-lamp examination, gonioscopy, IOP measurements, and disc evaluation for the detection of glaucoma had significantly higher knowledge scores than those who did not perform these tests in their practice (P < 0.05). A positive attitude toward glaucoma learning through workshops and hands-on training was reported by optometrists and students.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge about glaucoma was good among optometrists and optometry students and was better among those who handled the diagnostics. All the optometrists had a positive attitude toward enhancing their practice through proper training.