Identifying the needs for eye care education in Quebec, Canada
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65636/cjo.v75i3.7299Keywords:
awareness, knowledge, eye disease, refractive error, optometric examination guideliens, patient educationAbstract
In Quebec, optometrists, opticians and ophthalmologists are the stakeholders in eye care provision. The public healthcare scheme covers optometric examinations for patients under 18, over 64 and any patient with an ocular emergency. A population educated on common eye conditions is more likely to seek care and implement preventative measures. However, little is known of the population's awareness of the scope of practice of eyecare professionals, examination coverage or common oculovisual conditions.
Purpose: To determine the patients' awareness of the recommended guidelines of optometric examinations, of the scope of practice of eyecare professionals and of common oculo-visual conditions.
Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to patients presenting for an eye examination at the University of Montreal optometry clinic.
Results: Of our respondents (N=222), 63% believe a child should undergo an eye examination before age 5 and 62% believe a routine exam should be performed every 2 years. Fifty-eight percent know exam fees are covered for patients under 18, 49% for patients over 64 and 59% for ocular emergencies. Twenty-eight percent of respondents believe optometrists are the eye care provider to consult to treat a red eye, 39% to diagnose ocular pathologies and 12% to remove a foreign body. Sixty-five percent of our respondents can identify the symptoms of myopia, compared to 25% for hyperopia and 52% for presbyopia. Regarding common eye diseases, 22% of respondents correctly identified cataracts, 45% glaucoma and 28% age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Eighty-four percent of respondents showed some knowledge of risk factors, symptoms and treatments of cataracts, 27% for glaucoma and 22% for ARMD.
Conclusion: Respondents seem well aware of the guidelines surrounding ocular examinations. There are unmet needs in patient education regarding the details of coverage, the role of optometrists as primary eye care practitioners and the symptoms, risk factors and treatments of several common and sight-threatening conditions.
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