Study of Kenyan Optometrists View on Future of Optometry and Prospective Impact on Public Health

Abstract

Background: VISION 2020: The Right to Sight, was to ensure that by the year 2020, a great reduction in the incidences of avoidable blindness be recorded. This was achivable by training optometrists. Kenya has a population of 47 million, with 56 registered optometrists who are not regulated by the government. However there is no data on optometrists view on the future of optometry in Kenya and the public health implication. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was emailed to 56 registered optometrists. The questionnaire contained broad areas such as demographics of participants, their view on status of optometry in kenya, challenges faced by the optometrists, availability of lecturers, their concerns on the way forward and how these issues impacts on public health. A chi-square was used to look at associations and odds ratio was computed.Results: A vast majority (90%) of the respondents suggested that regulating optometry will be the only solution to their problems. Most respondents 91.7% agreed that the situation has impacted negatively on the public health. General public awareness on what is optometry should be enhanced 79%. The qualitative analysis produced four broad themes: (1) regulation; (2) unity; (3) public health implication and (4) creating public awareness. Conclusion: The key recommendations was to lobby for regulation of optometry practise and there is need for public awareness on what is optometry and their role in the eye care. Adequate lecturers should be recruited to ensure quality among graduates in delivery to the public.

Situation analysis on the integration of refractive error services provided by optometrists into the national health services in Kenya

“…Integrating optometrists within the primary care will ensure effective RE service delivery and detection of other ocular conditions hence timely referral to other levels of care or medical specialties such as ophthalmologists [ 12 ]. Despite the training of optometrists from the government institutions in Kenya, a proper mechanism hasn’t established to integrate optometrists into the public health sectors [ 35 ]. Even though some counties in Kenya have integrated optometrists into the public health service with a monthly remuneration of approximately US$ 300 which is lower than the private sector rates of US$ 500, most optometrists within the private sector still fights for integration into the public health sectors [ 35 ].…”

“…Despite the training of optometrists from the government institutions in Kenya, a proper mechanism hasn’t established to integrate optometrists into the public health sectors [ 35 ]. Even though some counties in Kenya have integrated optometrists into the public health service with a monthly remuneration of approximately US$ 300 which is lower than the private sector rates of US$ 500, most optometrists within the private sector still fights for integration into the public health sectors [ 35 ]. This is attributed to lack of job security within the private sectors and optical sectors.…”

Barriers to the Diagnosis and Management of Keratoconus Among Optometrists in Kenya

“…[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] In a survey among 39 optometrists with an equal representation from KMTC and MMUST, 68.4% reported having insufficient lecturers. 19 Insufficient qualified teaching staff and inadequate teaching and learning resources have been reported in many schools of optometry in Africa. 20 The Ministry of Health -Ophthalmic Services Unit (OSU) in Kenya has prioritized the review of refractive error services, the availability of CXL in public hospitals and the accreditation of institutions that train optometrists in the National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2020-2025 (NEHSP).…”