Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of glaucoma among different cadres of optometrists

PURPOSE: To assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and clinical practice of glaucoma among optometry students and optometry practitioners with different years of clinical experience and academic background. METHODS: A survey with 20 questions on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of glaucoma was prepared and self-administered to optometry students and optometry practitioners practicing in an eye hospital/clinic/optical with varied years of clinical experience and education qualification. RESULTS: Among the 558 participants, 57% were optometry practitioners and 43% were students. The knowledge scores among optometry practitioners increased significantly with an increase in the years of clinical experience (P < 0.001). Participants with master’s degrees scored higher than participants with bachelor’s degrees (P = 0.12). There was no statistically significant difference in knowledge scores based on the type of clinical practice - hospital, private practice, or optical (P = 0.39). Practicing optometrists who performed slit-lamp examination, gonioscopy, IOP measurements, and disc evaluation for the detection of glaucoma had significantly higher knowledge scores than those who did not perform these tests in their practice (P < 0.05). A positive attitude toward glaucoma learning through workshops and hands-on training was reported by optometrists and students. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about glaucoma was good among optometrists and optometry students and was better among those who handled the diagnostics. All the optometrists had a positive attitude toward enhancing their practice through proper training.