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