Public's knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists: a critical issue in eye care service utilisation.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the public's knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists and identify the factors associated with knowledge.


METHODS
The study was a population-based random survey of adults aged 18 years or older conducted in Enugu, south eastern Nigeria, between March and June, 2011. Data on respondents' socio-demographics, clinical profile, and knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists were collected using a 28-item questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Values of P<0.05 were considered statistically significant.


RESULTS
The respondents (n=394) comprised 198 males and 196 females (sex ratio=1.01:1), aged 18-70 (30.9±10.8) years. The majority of respondents were single (57.4%), possessed secondary education (96.9%), employed (65.2%) and had no health insurance (77.4%). Their clinical profile showed previous eye exam 54.1%, spectacle wear 41.6% and contact lens wear 5.6%. In the multivariate analysis, participants' good knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists was significantly associated with educational status (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.23-0.44, P<0.0001, β=-0.988), employment status (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.45-2.25, P<0.0001, β=0.124) and previous eye examination (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.29-2.07, P<0.0001, β=0.549).


CONCLUSIONS
Participants' socio-demographic and clinical characteristics are important predictors of good knowledge. The findings may have implications for all stakeholders in eye care delivery. There is need for knowledge enhancement, by the government and eye care providers, through population-based eye health literacy campaigns.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, PMB 01139, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.
Boniface Ikenna
BI
Eze
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, PMB 01139, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.
Obiekwe
O
Okoye
Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, PMB 01139, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.
Emmanuel Nwabueze
EN
Aguwa
ophthalmologists; optometrists; public's knowledge
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