Abstract:
The study was conducted to profile optometrists and optometric practices in Ghana.
Methods: An online survey was conducted among 146 optometrists, who were registered with
the Ghana Optometric Association (GOA). It included questions on their demographics,
equipment, ophthalmic procedures routinely conducted and the barriers to providing a full
scope of optometric services.
Results: Ninety registered optometrists (62 per cent) responded, their mean age being
28.97 ± 3.36 years. There were more males (68.9 per cent) than females and most had the
Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, the profession’s highest degree in Ghana. There were
more practitioners in urban centres (71.1 per cent) and most practices had basic optometric
instruments, such as direct ophthalmoscopes, slitlamp biomicroscopes and retinoscopes.Many
optometrists routinely conducted direct ophthalmoscopy (100 per cent), slitlamp biomicroscopy
(87.5 per cent) and contact tonometry (55.7 per cent); however, few provided contact
lens (10.2 per cent) and low vision (9.1 per cent) assessments, with 76 per cent stating that it
was due to the unavailability of low vision devices, poor sources of contact lenses (27 per cent)
and perceived insufficient training (11.2 per cent). Many practitioners (97 per cent) reported
the use of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (96.6 per
cent). Most practitioners (52.9 per cent) preferred conferences for the delivery of continuous
professional development over publications (26.4 per cent) and internet resources (12.6 per
cent).
Conclusion: The data elicited in this study provide a basis for addressing the country’s unmet
eye-care needs and can be used to determine training and support guidelines for the
profession.
