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International Journal of
Medical and Health Research
ARCHIVES
VOL. 7, ISSUE 1 (2021)
Awareness and barriers to low vision services among eye care practioners in Gujarat
Authors
Paras Desai
Abstract
Background: Low vision is a broad term used for conditions resulting in reduced vision that cannot be completely rectified even after treatment. Low vision services work well in controlling the functional and psychological impacts of visual impairment. it is necessary to have data on the knowledge and awareness of low vision services among eye care practitioners to improve the low vision care in the developing world. The aim of this study was a questionnaire to find out the awareness and barriers to the provision of low vision care among eye care practitioners in Gujarat. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 2 months among practicing optometrists and ophthalmologists residing in Gujarat states. Questionnaire was made available on a web-based questionnaire format so that it could be circulated all over Gujarat and filled online. Every question except the optional questions was made mandatory to attain the completely filled questionnaire. All the responses were collected into the Google Forms. Contact information of the participants was collected through hospitals, optical outlets, and friends. The questionnaires were sent to the participants through SMS and WhatsApp. Participation in the study was voluntary. Results: Study was conducted among 117 eye care practiners in Gujarat. Participants of the pilot study included 41 men and 76 women. Among the participants, 8 were ophthalmologists and 109 were optometrists.In this study retinal problems (84.5%) and Glaucoma (47.4%) were reported as two major causes of Low vision.Among the participant,75.6% preferred to provide the best possible spectacle correction. Magnifiers were found to be most commonly prescribed low vision devices (78.8%).Lack of awareness (73%) among the practioners were major barriers restricting the provision of low vision services. Though (93.3%) of the practioners were interested to participate in workshop for low vision. Conclusions: Low vision services, to be better prepared for the increase in the number of people with low vision. In addition to the expected difficulties with lack of awareness of services by people with low vision, many people do not understand what the services provide and do not identify themselves as having low vision. Knowledge of these barriers, from the perspective of people with low vision, can now be used to guide the development of health compagins.
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Pages:37-39
How to cite this article:
Paras Desai "Awareness and barriers to low vision services among eye care practioners in Gujarat". International Journal of Medical and Health Research, Vol 7, Issue 1, 2021, Pages 37-39
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