African Vision and Eye Health最新文献

{"title":"Are graduate optometrists in South Africa practice ready?","authors":"Tara-Leigh Putter, Alvin J. Munsamy, Diane Van Staden","doi":"10.4102/aveh.v82i1.806","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v82i1.806","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Recent graduates are well-positioned to share their preparedness for practice experiences and how their undergraduate education and training have prepared them for transitioning to the practice environment.Aim: The study aimed to investigate the perceptions and experiences of optometrists who graduated from South African institutions between 2016 and 2020 concerning practice-readiness.Setting: The study was conducted among graduates working in South Africa’s private sector.Methods: This cross-sectional qualitative study used non-probability purposive sampling. Invitations to participate were emailed to all optometrists who met the inclusion criteria. Qualitative data were collected using online semi-structured focus group interviews. Data were anonymised, transcribed, and thematically analysed using interpretive content analysis.Results: Fifteen optometrists participated in three focus group sessions between 14 December 2020 and 24 February 2021. Four major themes emerged, namely university training, post-graduation learning curve, independent practice, and being an optometrist. Overall, participants perceived their clinical education and training to be strong; however, certain areas of weakness were highlighted regarding preparedness for practice.Conclusion: Key areas for strengthening optometry training in South Africa include training optometry students using a flexible approach to the clinical examination routine and increasing clinical exposure opportunities during training. Strengthening courses such as practice management and optical dispensing, both essential for private practice, are also required.Contribution: The findings of this study contribute to the strengthening of optometry education and training in South Africa. This will, in turn, ensure that optometry graduates are adequately equipped to step into the demands of their expected roles within a private practice context upon graduation.","PeriodicalId":7694,"journal":{"name":"African Vision and Eye Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136313758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experiences and perceptions of undergraduate optometry students towards public eye care services in South Africa","authors":"Noxolo L. Zulu, Diane Van Staden","doi":"10.4102/aveh.v82i1.726","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v82i1.726","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Public eye care services in South Africa are relatively underdeveloped. This is, in part, due to optometry services historically being private sector-focussed, as well as a lack of ophthalmologists in the country. Optometry students who engage in service learning at public health facilities are well placed to share their perceptions of this service.Aim: To investigate the perceptions and experiences of optometry students regarding public eye care services in South Africa.Setting: Data were collected on the Phelophepa Health Care Train while it was stationed at Musina and Polokwane in 2019.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using focus group interviews to collect data from South African optometry students. Two focus group sessions were held, with a total sample of 18 representing two different higher education institutions. Interview recordings were transcribed, and data were thematically analysed using interpretive content analysis.Results: Three main themes emerged, namely ‘inability to deliver quality services’, ‘negative perceptions about public eye care services’ and ‘potential to improve public eye care services’. Strengthening infrastructure and human resource capacity were seen as fundamental steps to improving public eye care services in South Africa.Conclusion: Strengthening public eye care services in South Africa is necessary in order to improve the experience-based perceptions of optometry students towards this sector. Addressing eye health system weaknesses through appropriate resourcing will likely contribute to attracting this potential future human resource to the sector, and assist in alleviating the shortage of human resources for eye health within South Africa’s public health service.Contribution: Optometry education and professional practice in South Africa is increasingly adopting a more public health approach. This shift towards strengthening public eye care services and improving human resources capacity for the same is both important and necessary to address unmet eye health needs in the country. However, current gaps and challenges within the public health system may deter new graduates in South Africa from choosing this practice path if the overall challenges of resourcing and capacity to deliver quality services are not addressed.","PeriodicalId":7694,"journal":{"name":"African Vision and Eye Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135716556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, attitude, perception and education on contact lenses for refractive errors in Kenya","authors":"Chikasirimobi G. Timothy, Diane W. Van Staden, Harun C. Chepkeitany, Levi U. Osuagwu, Nathan Shaviya","doi":"10.4102/aveh.v82i1.738","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v82i1.738","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Globally, contact lenses are an important part of the management process for refractive errors. Contact lenses are accepted widely in developed countries, but they are currently less used in developing countries like Kenya.Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAP) (both pre- and post-education) to contact lens uptake specifically for correction of refractive errors by patients attending a Kenyan University Eye Clinic.Setting: Academic Vision Centre, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya.Methods: A quasi-experimental cross-sectional study was performed by reviewing all records from February 2014 to March 2020; 360 records were purposively selected. Thereafter, a structured questionnaire with educative content on contact lenses was administered by phone and online to determine KAP. Responses were collected over a period of one month. Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions were categorised and scored, and descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were used for data analysis.Results: More women (58.3%) and mostly students (59.2%) participated, with ages from 16 to 38 years (mean age and standard deviation of 22.85 ± 4.32). Overall, there was poor knowledge of contact lenses for refractive errors (96.7%). Attitudes to contact lenses were unfavourable, both pre- and post-education (94.7% and 92.8%). Perceptions of contact lens uptake were negative pre-education (92.5%) but positive post-education (95.3%).Conclusion: Education changed perceptions of contact lens usage for refractive errors correction, but even with some focused education, negative attitudes and poor knowledge regarding contact lenses persisted in the sample. Practitioners should inform patients about contact lenses as a possibility for refractive error management, and institutions training eye care providers should consolidate their clinical teaching regarding contact lenses.Contribution: This study showed that the more people with refractive errors are knowledgeable about contact lenses, the more uptake of contact lenses will happen, optometrists and ophthalmologists should educate people more on contact lenses.","PeriodicalId":7694,"journal":{"name":"African Vision and Eye Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136144203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correlation between body mass index and corneal thickness in emmetropic subjects","authors":"J. Sanchis-Gimeno, S. Nalla, Enma Rodriguez-Dieguez, Nabeela Hasrod","doi":"10.4102/aveh.v82i1.814","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v82i1.814","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7694,"journal":{"name":"African Vision and Eye Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73700437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk factors of digital eye strain among computer users at Al-Baha University","authors":"Saleha K. Al-Atawi","doi":"10.4102/aveh.v82i1.815","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v82i1.815","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Digital eye strain (DES) affects an estimated 60 million people worldwide, with a higher prevalence among populations that are occupationally reliant on digital display devices.Aim: This study investigated risk factors of DES and ergonomic practices among computer users at Al-Baha University.Setting: The study was conducted among computer users at Al-Baha University.Methods: This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design and data were gathered using self-administered questionnaires.Results: A total of 360 computer users participated (mean age: 36.33 years, standard deviation [s.d.]: 7.08). The lifetime and daily computer usage were 8.38 (s.d.: = 1.04) years and 4.37 (s.d.: = 2.07) hours, respectively, with 30% of respondents having used computers for more than 10 years. The baseline total eye complaints score was either mild or moderate for 64.7% and severe for 35% of the sample. The total workstation design score was poor for 47.1% and fair for 35.5% of the sample. The regression analysis of potential DES risk factors found statistically significant coefficients for the duration of daily computer use, use of contact lenses, poor ergonomic practices, poor workstation design and use of non-prescription spectacles.Conclusion: This study emphasises the need for learning institutions and public health policy makers to not only raise awareness about digital eye strain but also impose time restrictions and breaks on digital-based activities and generally improve workstation design and ergonomic conditions.Contribution: This study offers a basis for targeted interventions to prevent and manage DES, particularly within learning settings.","PeriodicalId":7694,"journal":{"name":"African Vision and Eye Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91005904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correlation of corneal epithelial thickness with clinical severity of dry eye","authors":"Pratan Piyasoonthorn, P. Sritipsukho, Tassapol Singalavanija","doi":"10.4102/aveh.v82i1.841","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v82i1.841","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used to measure corneal epithelium thickness in dry eye disease, allowing assessment of ocular-surface damage in different disease severity.Aim: This study aimed to determine the characteristics of corneal epithelial thickness with spectral-domain OCT in patients with dry eye and correlate epithelial thickness with the clinical severity.Setting: The study was conducted at outpatient clinic in the Department of Ophthalmology, Chulabhorn hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.Methods: It was a cross-sectional study and 92 dry eye patients were included. All participants were assessed using the dry eye questionnaire-5 (DEQ-5), tear film breakup time and fluorescein staining. Corneal epithelial thickness was measured with spectral-domain OCT. The mean and variance of epithelial thickness were calculated. Correlations of corneal epithelial thickness with other clinical parameters were calculated.Results: There were no statistical differences in corneal epithelium thickness between the non-severe and severe dry eye groups. The peripheral corneal epithelial thickness variance was significantly higher in the severe dry eye. There was a significant correlation between peripheral epithelial thickness variance and the clinical parameters.Conclusion: Peripheral corneal epithelial thickness variance was higher in the severe dry eye, suggesting that the peripheral ocular surface is more damaged. This also correlated with the symptoms and signs of dry eye, which can be used to assess the disease severity.Contribution: This study provided the correlation of corneal epithelial thickness measurement with spectral-domain OCT on the diagnosis of dry eye severities.","PeriodicalId":7694,"journal":{"name":"African Vision and Eye Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82170267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the visual function of motor vehicle drivers in Lesotho: A case for policy review","authors":"Zubeta Moledi, D. V. van Staden","doi":"10.4102/aveh.v82i1.801","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v82i1.801","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7694,"journal":{"name":"African Vision and Eye Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79872571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Vision and sports: An overview","authors":"Joas R. Ramaja, Rekha Hansraj","doi":"10.4102/aveh.v82i1.679","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v82i1.679","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Visual skills and their components are thought to be responsible for much of the manner whereby athletes obtain information about the sporting environment. The field of sports vision deals with the vision care services that are provided to athletes. If visual skills of athletes are not assumed as natural attributes, they should be assessed and be subjected to training according to need. Studies have shown that the visual abilities of the athletes can be divided into software and hardware visual skills, and it is the software visual skills that separate expert athletes from non-experts.Aim: The study aims to collate (1) studies that show the importance of visual skills in sports performance, (2) studies that show that visual skills are trainable and (3) studies that show the effect of training on the visual skills and performance in sports.Method: An extensive search of literature was performed on studies that supported the importance of vision in sports performance. Also included were studies that supported the transfer of improved visual skills to improved performance on the field of play.Results: There is literature that supports the significance of visual skills in sport. There is also literature that attempts to show evidence that improved visual skills can improve performance on the field of play.Conclusion: Sports vision practitioners need to develop standardised testing and training protocols for visual skills. Standard protocols will harmonise the development of visual skills norms.Contribution: Literature has shown the importance of vision in sports performance. Literature has also shown that improved visual skills can improve performance on the field of play. The current paper is an attempt at calling for the development of standardised protocols and norms for sports vision training.","PeriodicalId":7694,"journal":{"name":"African Vision and Eye Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135309038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Foveal hypoplasia in oculocutaneous albinism: An optical coherence tomography study","authors":"E. Pillay, N. Rampersad","doi":"10.4102/aveh.v82i1.807","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v82i1.807","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7694,"journal":{"name":"African Vision and Eye Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81086554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Attitude and behaviour of soft contact lens wearers toward compliance in Gauteng, South Africa","authors":"Tania B. Noach, Thokozile I. Metsing, Dirk J Booysen","doi":"10.4102/aveh.v82i1.822","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v82i1.822","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7694,"journal":{"name":"African Vision and Eye Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82223358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}