Knowledge of Primary Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy among General Ophthalmologists, Mid Level Eye Care Personnel and General Physicians in Oman

OBJECTIVE: We present the outcomes of knowledge of diabetes and associated ocular complications among personnel comprising the eye care team in Oman. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A closed ended questionnaire was administered during November 2008 and November 2009 to eye care team members in six regions of Oman, where trainings were held. All participants of these trainings were included in our study. The questionnaire comprised 15 questions that tested the knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and its ocular complications. They circled the most suitable reply for a list of choices. The replies were compared with the gold standard (answers from a medical retina specialist, a diabetologist's and general ophthalmologists answers). The participants were divided into two groups; acceptable (more than 50% score compared to gold standard) and less than desired (less than 50% score compared to gold standard.) We estimated the areas of acceptable level of knowledge in different subgroups. RESULTS: All 87 (100%) of eye care team members participated. Of the 42 general ophthalmologists, 30 (71.4%) had an acceptable level of knowledge about primary prevention, ideal blood sugar and blood pressure levels and complication of diabetes. The acceptable level of knowledge among mid level eye care providers and general physicians was found in 15 (54.5%) and 4 (33.3%) respondents respectively. CONCLUSION: Less than the desired number of participants of the eye care team had an acceptable level of knowledge about primary prevention, ideal blood sugar and blood pressure levels and complications of diabetes. The training of eye care personnel need to enhance knowledge in the weak areas is identified in this study.