Practice Patterns of Low Vision Services among Optometrists in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose : Low vision services remain paramount in maximizing residual eyesight and improving the quality of life of low vision patients. However, the scope of practice in Ghana remains unclear. Given that optometrists are professionally trained to manage low vision cases, we sought to investigate the practice patterns of low vision services among registered optometrists in Ghana.

Methods : This nationwide descriptive cross-sectional survey comprises 213 practicing optometrists (71.0% response rate) working in public, private, or Christian Health Association of Ghana/non-profit eye care facilities. A pretested structured and semi-structured questionnaire were used to elucidate information on the scope of practice ranging from the demographic profile of eyecare practitioners, availability of care, facilities and/or equipment, barriers to uptake, interventions, and pragmatic strategies to promote low vision service delivery.

Results : Most (62.4%) optometrists in Ghana are males. About 52.6% are 30 -39 years old and practice in a private facility. About 43.2% of study participants have 1-4 years of work experience. One hundred and seventy (79.8%) practitioners reported having patients seeking low vision services in their facility; however, only a third (23.0%) of the optometrists provided care. Lack of low vision assistive devices (77.5%), equipment for examination (71.40%) and referral centers (39.9%) were reported as the main barriers to the provision of low vision services. Predominant perceived barriers that limit uptake of low vision services were the lack of awareness of low vision centers (76.1%), the high cost of low vision aids (75.1%), and the social unacceptability of low vision assistive devices (43.2%). Continuous professional development or specialized training (90.1%), public education (89.7%), increased affordability of low vision aids (88.7%), provision of diagnostics (87.3%), and creation of specialized referral centers (80.8%) were suggestive of increasing low vision service delivery.

Conclusions : Our findings suggest poor low vision service uptake and delivery in Ghana. This necessitates the adoption of strategic policies to address these barriers and instituting pragmatic approaches to enhance low vision services in Ghana.

This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.