Sistema de competencias laborales para tecnólogos de la salud licenciados en Optometría y Óptica / Job competency system for health technologists licensed in Optometry and Optics

Fundamento: la calidad de un servicio de salud parte del nivel de la competencia y desempeño de sus trabajadores en el cumplimiento de sus funciones laborales y sociales. Objetivo: elaborar un sistema de competencias laborales para tecnólogos de la salud licenciados en Optometría y Óptica. Métodos: se realizó una investigación de desarrollo tecnológico en el campo de la educación médica, durante enero 2021- enero 2022 en instituciones del nivel secundario del municipio Holguín. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos, empíricos y estadísticos que permitieron la triangulación metodológica de los resultados. Se tuvo en cuenta el criterio de especialistas para la valoración del sistema de competencias elaborado. Resultados: se identificaron insuficiencias para ejecutar procederes óptico-optométricos, limitada participación en actividades científico investigativas, baja categorización docente e investigativa, debilidades en la función profesor-tutor y escasa actividad de superación permanente. Se elaboró un sistema de competencias laborales para tecnólogos de la salud licenciados en Optometría y Óptica diseñadas en correspondencia con el ejercicio de sus funciones. Conclusiones: el diagnóstico realizado demostró la necesidad de un sistema de competencias laborales para contribuir al perfeccionamiento del desempeño laboral de estos profesionales, el cual fue valorado como factible, pertinente y útil de ser aplicado.

Background: the quality of a health service is based on the level of competence and performance of its workers in fulfilling their job and social functions. Objective: to develop a system of job skills for health technologists Bachelors in Optometry and Optics. Methods: a technological development investigation was carried out in the field of medical education, from January 2021 to January 2022 in secondary level institutions of the Holguín municipality. Theoretical, empirical and statistical methods were used that allowed the methodological contrast of the results. The criteria of specialists was taken into account for the assessment of the developed competency system. Results: insufficiencies were identified to carry out optical-optometric procedures, limited participation in scientific research activities, low teaching and research ranking, weaknesses in the teacher-tutor function and little permanent improvement activity. A system of job competencies was developed for health technologists with degrees in Optometry and Optics designed in accordance with the exercise of their duties. Conclusions: the diagnosis carried out demonstrated the need for a system of work competencies to contribute to the improvement of the work performance of these professionals, which was valued as feasible, relevant and useful to be applied.

Origen y evolución de la optometría y la óptica en Cuba y en el mundo / Origin and Evolution of Optometry and Optics in Cuba and in the World

Al revisar la historia de la optometría y la óptica se encuentra que ha tenido procesos de cambio y evolución, debido a la preocupación por la salud visual que ha venido deteriorándose al transcurrir de los años. Para mostrar dichos cambios se realizó una revisión teórica-histórica del origen y la evolución de la optometría y la óptica. Se tuvo en cuenta los datos que han sido de avance científico, tecnológico y humanístico, no solo en la antigüedad sino también en la actualidad, los cuales han servido para mejorar el desarrollo de nuestra actividad profesional y consecuentemente al mejoramiento del bienestar social. Fueron innumerables los hombres que enriquecieron nuestros conocimientos con sus aportes, por lo cual se ha necesitado de muchos siglos de lenta y progresiva evolución para llegar a ser lo que es hoy en día, una ciencia con todas las bases de la óptica, la anatomía y la fisiología de la visión la cual se rige por leyes que nos permiten un conocimiento más exacto de ella. El objetivo es valorar el proceso de origen y evolución de la optometría y la óptica en Cuba y el mundo(AU)

When reviewing the history of optometry and optics, it is found that it has undergone processes of change and evolution, due to the concern for visual health that has been deteriorating over the years. In order to show these changes, a theoretical-historical review of the origin and evolution of optometry and optics was carried out. We took into account the data that have been of scientific, technological and humanistic progress, not only in ancient times but also at present, which have served to improve the development of our professional activity and consequently to the improvement of social welfare. There were countless men who enriched our knowledge with their contributions, so it has taken many centuries of slow and progressive evolution to become what it is today, a science with all the bases of optics, anatomy and physiology of vision which is governed by laws that allow us a more accurate knowledge of it. The objective is to evaluate the process of origin and evolution of optometry and optics in Cuba and the world(AU)

Percepción y consecuencias verbales: un análisis interconductual / Perception and Verbal Consequences: An Interbehavioral Analysis / Percepção verbal e consequências: uma análise intercomportamental

Para evaluar el efecto de distintos tipos de consecuencias verbales sobre la percepción de trayectorias en estudiantes universitarios de optometría, se utilizó la tarea de "encontrar un móvil extraviado" consistente en presentar en la pantalla de una computadora a "Caperucita Roja" caminando con dirección a un bosque siguiendo distintas trayectorias (horizontal, vertical, diagonal a 15º, diagonal a 45º y en zigzag). Transcurrido un tiempo desde el internamiento y desaparición en el bosque (demoras de 1, 2 o 4 segundos), se solicitó a los participantes colocar el puntero en la zona del bosque donde podría encontrarse Caperucita (i.e., respuesta de localización). Los grupos independientes de estudiantes universitarios recibieron puntos por sus respuestas correctas, pero también diferentes consecuencias verbales: (a) correcto/incorrecto, (b) especificación de parámetros del error, y (c) consecuencias autoadministradas. Un grupo control solo recibió puntos por sus respuestas correctas. Los resultados muestran mayor precisión de la respuesta de localización en los participantes que recibieron consecuencias que especificaban los parámetros del error, en las trayectorias horizontal y vertical, y con las demoras más breves. Se discute la función disposicional de las consecuencias verbales como mediadoras de la percepción de trayectorias

To evaluate the effects of different types of verbal con-sequences on trajectory perception, a task of "finding a lost mobile object" was used. In that task, Little Red Riding Hood was presented on a computer screen, walking towards a forest, following different paths (horizontal, vertical, diagonal at 15º, diagonal at 45°, and zigzag). Few seconds after her entry and disap-pearance in the forest (delays of 1, 2, or 4 seconds), participants were asked to place the pointer on the area of the forest where she might be found. Indepen-dent groups of university students received different verbal consequences for their responses: a) correct/incorrect, b) specification of error parameters, and c) self-administered consequences. A control group only received points for their correct responses. The results show higher accuracy in the participants who received consequences that specified the error parameters in the horizontal and vertical trajectories with the shortest de-lays. The dispositional function of verbal consequences as mediators in trajectory perception is discussed

Para avaliar o efeito de diferentes tipos de consequên-cias verbais na percepção de trajetórias, foi utilizada a tarefa de "encontrar o objeto móbil perdido", que con-siste em apresentar "chapeuzinho vermelho" na tela de um computador caminhando em direção a uma floresta seguindo diferentes trajetórias (horizontal , vertical, 15º diagonal, 45º diagonal e ziguezague). Após algum tempo decorrido desde a entrada e desaparecimento na floresta (atrasos de 1, 2 ou 4 segundos), os participantes foram solicitados a colocar o ponteiro na área da flores-ta onde chapeuzinho vermelho poderia ser encontrada (ex. resposta de localização). Grupos independentes de estudantes universitários receberam pontos por suas respostas corretas, mas também diferentes consequên-cias verbais: a) correto / incorreto, b) especificação de parâmetros de erro, e c) consequências autoadminis-tradas. Um grupo de controle só recebeu pontos por suas respostas corretas. Os resultados mostram maior precisão da resposta de localização nos participantes que receberam consequências que especificaram os parâmetros de erro, nas trajetórias horizontal e vertical, e com os menores atrasos. Discute-se a função dispo-sicional das consequências verbais como mediadoras da percepção das trajetórias

Centro de optometría y centro de refracción: norma técnica No. 12-2020­DRACES / Optometry Center and Refraction Center: Technical Standard No. 12-2020 ­ DRACES

Un poco apagada la tinta del documento y dificulta un poco la lectura DRACES [Departamento de Regulación, Acreditación y Control de Establecimientos de Salud] Este documento tiene como objeto "la regulación, autorización y control de los centros de optometría y centro de refracción, en concordancia con el Reglamento para la Regulación, Autorización, Acreditación y Control de Establecimientos de Atención para la Salud, Acuerdo Gubernativo No. 376-2007." Es de carácter obligatorio. Contiene además, las definiciones de los conceptos relacionados al tema principal, además de la infraestructura que deberá tener cada centro, incluidos el equipo y recurso humano y técnico.

Determinantes sociales de la salud y la enfermedad visual en caficultores de Caldas, Colombia / Social Determinants of Health and Visual Disease in Coffee Harvesters from Colombia

Introducción: Aunque existen iniciativas globales que buscan mejorar la salud visual en las poblaciones y alcanzar una mayor inclusión social de las personas afectadas con pérdida de la visión, coexisten barreras importantes como la poca accesibilidad y equidad de los servicios de salud y las diferencias económicas y de género que impiden obtener mejores indicadores. Objetivo: Establecer la asociación entre los determinantes sociales de la salud y la enfermedad visual en una comunidad de caficultores en el Departamento de Caldas, Colombia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo correlacional en el que participaron 1387 caficultores. La información se recolectó en el momento de la valoración por optometría. Se aplicó un cuestionario para explorar los determinantes sociales de la salud estructurales e intermedios y datos relacionados con salud visual. La asociación entre las variables fue establecida a través de la prueba de chi cuadrado. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 57 años ± 10,7 años, 77,3 por ciento hombres, el 97,2 por ciento pertenecía al estrato socioeconómico bajo y un 73 por ciento habían realizado estudios primarios. Las enfermedades visuales más frecuentes fueron los trastornos de refracción en un 85,7 por ciento, el principal diagnóstico fue la presbicia con una prevalencia de 75,8 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento: 73,5 por ciento; 78,03 por ciento). En el análisis bivariado se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,05) entre el diagnóstico de optometría y los determinantes sociales de la salud estructurales e intermedios: sexo, estado civil, grupo de edad, nivel educativo, estrato socioeconómico y ocupación. Conclusiones: La enfermedad visual en caficultores se encuentra influenciada por determinantes sociales de la salud estructurales e intermedios, modificables con acciones intersectoriales y transectoriales como el nivel educativo, estrato socioeconómico y la ocupación, los que deben ser incorporados a las políticas públicas para mejorar su calidad de vida y reducir la ceguera prevenible(AU)

Introduction: Although there are global initiatives aimed at improving visual health in populations and at achieving greater social inclusion of people affected with vision loss, important barriers coexist such as poor accessibility and equity of healthcare services and economic and gender-related differences that prevent obtaining better indicators. Objective: To establish the association between the social determinants of health and visual disease in a community of coffee harvesters in the department of Caldas, Colombia. Methods: Descriptive and correlational study with the participation of 1,387 coffee harvesters. The information was collected at the time of optometric assessment. A questionnaire was applied to explore the structural and intermediate social determinants of health and data related to visual health. The association between the variables was established through the chi-square test. Results: The average age was 57 years ± 10.7 years, 77.3 percent were men, 97.2 percent belonged to the low socioeconomic stratum and 73 percent had completed elementary school. The most frequent visual diseases were refractive disorders, account ting for 85.7 percent; and the main diagnosis was presbyopia, with a prevalence of 75.8 percent (95 percent CI: 73.5 percent; 78.03 percent). The bivariate analysis showed a statistically significant association (p<0.05) between the diagnosis of optometry and the structural and intermediate social determinants of health: sex, marital status, age group, educational level, socioeconomic status, and occupation. Conclusions: Visual disease in coffee harvesters is influenced by structural and intermediate social determinants of health, modifiable with intersector and cross-sector actions such as educational level, socioeconomic stratum, and occupation, which must be incorporated into public policies to improve their quality of life and to reduce preventable blindness(AU)

Percepciones sobre el conocimiento de la detección temprana de la ambliopía de médicos generales y pediatras de Bucaramanga / Perceptions on knowledge about the early detection of amblyopia among general practitioners and pediatricians in Bucaramanga / Percepções sobre o conhecimento da detecção precoce de ambliopia de médicos gerais e pediatras de Bucaramanga

Introducción. La ambliopía es un desorden visual originado durante el desarrollo cortical considerándose la causa de ceguera prevenible más frecuente. El diagnóstico y tratamiento temprano han demostrado ser efectivos; sin embargo, su detección es tardía debido, en parte, a falta de conocimiento. El objetivo del presente artículo es describir las percepciones sobre el conocimiento de médicos generales y pediatras en Bucaramanga acerca de la detección temprana de la ambliopía. Metodología. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo descriptivo de tipo exploratorio, utilizando como técnica entrevistas semi-estructuradas a 20 profesionales de la salud, para ello se usó el enfoque de Taylor y Bogdan. Resultados. Las entrevistas permitieron identificar dos categorías: falencias en el proceso de formación del pregrado y posgrado, y barreras de infraestructura para la realización de valoración visual; además de cuatro subcategorías entre las que se identifican conceptos erróneos sobre la ambliopía, falta de claridad sobre la edad oportuna para la realización de la valoración visual de primera vez, así como imaginarios errados relacionados con la valoración y remisión a servicios especializados de optometría y oftalmología. Discusión. El estudio permitió develar la falta de conocimientos de los profesionales de la salud y las distintas causas que contribuyen a esta problemática, así como la importancia del fortalecimiento de este tema en los currículos. Conclusión. Es necesario fortalecer el conocimiento de los médicos generales y pediatras con el fin de detectar precozmente los niños en riesgo de ambliopía y reducir la carga de la enfermedad. Cómo citar: Maldonado Rueda SJ, Marzal Guerra EE, Delgado-Serrano J, Cepeda-Bareño DF, Oviedo Cáceres MP. Percepciones sobre el conocimiento de la detección temprana de la ambliopía de médicos generales y pediatras de Bucaramanga. MedUNAB. 2020;23(1):62-71. doi:10.29375/01237047.3782

Introduction. Amblyopia is a visual disorder that arises during cortical development, and is considered the most frequent cause of preventable blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment have been demonstrated to be highly effective. However, it is often detected at a late stage, partly due to lack of knowledge. The purpose of this article is to describe the perceived knowledge of general practitioners and pediatricians in Bucaramanga on the early detection of amblyopia. Methodology. A descriptive, qualitative exploratory study was performed, by means of semistructured interviews of 20 healthcare professionals, using the approach suggested by Taylor and Bogdan. Results. The interview results found two types of issues: shortcomings in undergraduate and graduate training, lack of infrastructure to perform the visual assessment. It also detected four sub-categories, including incorrect concepts about amblyopia, lack of clarity about the right age to perform the first-time visual assessment, and erroneous beliefs about the assessment and referral to specialized optometry and ophthalmology services. Discussion. The study found gaps in knowledge by healthcare professionals as well as the different contributing factors to this problem, and indicates the importance of strengthening this subject in the curricula. Conclusion. It is necessary to strengthen knowledge among general practitioners and pediatricians to enable the early detection of children at risk of amblyopia and reduce the burden of this disease. Cómo citar: Maldonado Rueda SJ, Marzal Guerra EE, Delgado-Serrano J, Cepeda-Bareño DF, Oviedo Cáceres MP. Percepciones sobre el conocimiento de la detección temprana de la ambliopía de médicos generales y pediatras de Bucaramanga. MedUNAB. 2020;23(1):62-71. doi:10.29375/01237047.3782

Introdução. A ambliopia é um transtorno visual causado durante o desenvolvimento cortical, considerado a causa mais frequente de cegueira evitável. O diagnóstico e o tratamento precoce provaram ser eficazes; no entanto, sua detecção é tardia devido, em parte, à falta de conhecimento. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever as percepções sobre o conhecimento de médicos gerais e pediatras em Bucaramanga a respeito da detecção precoce da ambliopia. Métodos. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, exploratório e qualitativo, utilizando entrevistas semiestruturadas com 20 profissionais de saúde, fazendo uso da abordagem de Taylor e Bogdan. Resultados. As entrevistas permitiram identificar duas categorias, falhas no processo de formação dos graduandos e pósgraduandos, barreiras de infraestrutura para realizar avaliação visual e quatro subcategorias, entre as quais estão: conceitos errôneos sobre a ambliopia, falta de clareza sobre a idade apropriada para realizar a primeira avaliação visual, bem como uma valoração errônea relacionada com a avaliação e encaminhamento para serviços especializados de optometria e oftalmologia. Discussão. O estudo revelou o desconhecimento dos profissionais da saúde e as diferentes causas que contribuem para esse problema, bem como a importância de fortalecer essa questão nos currículos. Conclusão. É necessário ampliar o conhecimento dos médicos gerais e pediatras na detecção precoce das crianças em risco de ambliopia e reduzir a carga da doença. Cómo citar: Maldonado Rueda SJ, Marzal Guerra EE, Delgado-Serrano J, Cepeda-Bareño DF, Oviedo Cáceres MP. Percepciones sobre el conocimiento de la detección temprana de la ambliopía de médicos generales y pediatras de Bucaramanga. MedUNAB. 2020;23(1):62-71. doi:10.29375/01237047.3782

Insuficiencia de convergencia: opciones terapéuticas en dos féminas / Convergence inadequacy: therapeutic options in two women

Se presentan 2 casos clínicos de féminas de 49 y 25 años, que acudieron a la consulta de Optometría en la Facultad de Enfermería y Tecnología de la Salud "Dr. Juan Manuel Páez Inchausti" de Santiago de Cuba, por presentar marcado cansancio visual durante el trabajo prolongado e intolerancia a la nueva corrección óptica. Se efectuó una evaluación optométrica integral, que mostró en ambos casos una insuficiencia de convergencia. Por las características de las pacientes, se decidió indicar prisma inducido por descentración del centro óptico en la que presentaba presbicia, y continuar la adaptación de la nueva corrección óptica, además de ejercicios de convergencia, en la afectada más joven. Con estos procedimientos se eliminaron los síntomas en ellas.

Two case reports of 49 and 25 years women are presented that went to the Optometry Service of "Dr. Juan Manuel Páez Inchausti" Nursing and Health Technology Faculty in Santiago de Cuba, due to a marked visual fatigue during the lingering work and intolerance to the new optic correction. A comprehensive optometric evaluation was made that showed in both cases a convergence inadequacy. Due to the characteristics of the patients, it was decided to indicate prism induced by unfocused optic center in the one presenting presbyopia, and to continue the adaptation of the new optic correction, besides convergence exercises, in the younger affected patient. With these procedures the symptoms were eliminated in them.

Accuracy of three common optometry methods in examination of refraction in juveniles / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the results of the three methods of Suresight handheld autorefractor, table-mounted autorefractor and retinoscopy in examination of juveniles patients with or without cycloplegia.
@*METHODS@#Firstly, 156 eyes of 78 juveniles (5 to 17 years old) were examined by using WelchAllyn Suresight handheld autorefractor and NIDEK ARK-510A table-mounted autorefractor with or without cycloplegia; secondly, retinoscopy was performed with cycloplegia.
@*RESULTS@#The spherical power measured by methods without cycloplegia were significantly greater than those measured with cycloplegia (P0.05). These results were highly consistent, suggesting a tendency towards a short sight. However, the spherical power and cylindrical power measured by table-mounted autorefractor was significantly different (P<0.05); with cycloplegia, there was significant difference in spherical power between Suresight handheld autorefractor and retinoscopy (P<0.05).
@*CONCLUSION@#Cycloplegic retinoscopy is necessary for juvenile refraction examination. Under natural pupil situation, Suresight handheld autorefractor is better than table-mounted autorefractor, though both show a myopia tendency. Nevertheless, table-mounted autorefractor can be taken as a recommendation for the prescription of lens trial. As a strong reference for subjective optometry, retinoscopy should be the gold standard for measuring refractive errors.

Amblyopia treatment knowledge cognition of Iranian practitioners in 2012

Amblyopia is considered as one of the most prevalent vision problems in pediatrics age [1-5%]. Recently, new methods in amblyopia treatment were reported in Amblyopia Treatment Study [ATS'].The objective of this study was to recognize amblyopia treatment knowledge of Iranian ophthalmologists and optometrists which are responsible for amblyopia treatment in our and other countries. This cross sectional study was performed during the Iranian Society of Ophthalmology annual meeting in Tehran in 2012 through questionnaire containing demographic information and 20 closed-answer questions based on ATS results. The questions were classified into seven categories and the sum of correct scores was 100. Optometrists and pediatric ophthalmologists were considered as the group 1 [153 participants], other practitioners [general ophthalmologists and other subspecialists] were regarded as the group 2 [256 participants]. Criteria for inadequate, fair and good knowledge were considered by scores of < 50, 50 to 70, and >70 respectively. Overall, 409 out of a total of 600 questionnaires were completed [response rate: 68.1%]. Mean scores of the group 1 were significantly higher than the group 2 in all 7 categories of questions and in 5 of them the differences were statistically significant. The worst and best scores were related to prescription of atropine [12%] and visual acuity improvement with glasses alone [93%], respectively. Scores for other questions were about 50%. There was no relationship between practice status and the number of referral amblyopic cases per week with the level of knowledge. In all categories except prescription of Atropine and recurrence, mean scores of females were more than the male participants. Knowledge about amblyopia therapy seems to be overall inadequate and should be improved by more education. We suggest paying more attention to new modified methods of amblyopia treatment and increased discussion of such method in annual and CME meetings

Formación de técnicos en optometría y óptica / Formation of technicians in optometry and optics

El servicio de Óptica y Optometría se incorporó a la Misión Barrio Adentro en el estado de Zulia en el mes de mayo de 2004, como iniciativa del Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro Ruz, con el objetivo de solucionar el problema de salud visual en aquellos pacientes que presentaban errores refractivos no corregidos que podían ser solucionados con el uso de lentes correctivos. Se le asignó como recurso humano a cada una de las 61 ópticas ubicadas en el estado 1 optometrista y 2 técnicos de Óptica, estos últimos en su mayoría, egresados de un curso intensivo de habilidades básicas en el manejo del taller de Óptica. Se realizó estudio descriptivo que deja memoria escrita del proceso llevado a cabo por la Misión Barrio Adentro en el Estado de Zulia, para la superación docente del personal de Óptica. Se obtuvo como resultado la formación de 89 técnicos básicos y 32 técnicos de nivel medio en optometría y óptica.

The optometric and optical service was included in Misión Barrio Adentro program implemented in Zulia state, Venezuela in May, 2004 at the initiative of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz. The objective was to solve the visual health problems of those patients suffering uncorrected refractive errors that may be eliminated through use of corrective lenses. One optometrist and 2 optical technicians were then appointed to work in each of the 61 optical centers located in the state; most of the technicians graduated from an intensive course of basic skill development in the handling of optical workshops. A descriptive study was conducted to leave written memories of this process and to help to the upgrading of the optical staff. The result was the formation of 89 basic technicians and 32 middle-level technicians in optometry and optics.

Effects of Physics on Development of Optometry in the United States from the Late 19th to the Mid 20th Century / 의사학

In this paper, it was studied how physics affected development of optometry in the United States, from aspects of formation and academization of optometry. It was also revealed that history of optometry was analogous to history of engineering. Optics in the 19th century was divided into electromagnetic study of light and visual optics. Development of the visual optics promoted professionalization of ophthalmology that had already started in the 18th century. The visual optics also stimulated formation of optometry and optometrists body in the late 19th century of the United States. The American optometrists body were originated from opticians who had studied visual optics. Publication of several English academic textbooks on visual optics induced appearance of educated opticians (and jewelers). They acquired a right to do the eye examination in the early 20th century after C. F. Prentice's trial in 1897, evolving into optometrists. The opticians could be considered as craftsmen, and they were divided into (dispensing) opticians and optometrists. Such history of American optometrists body is analogous to that of engineers body in the viewpoints of craftsmen origin and separation from craftsmen. Engineers were also originated from educated craftsmen, but were separated from craftsmen when engineering was built up. Education system and academization of optometry was strongly influenced by physics, too. When college education of optometry started at American universities, it was not belonged to medical school but to physics department. Physics and optics were of great importance in curriculum, and early faculty members were mostly physicists. Optometry was academized in the 1920s by the college education, standardization of curriculum, and formation of the American Academy of Optometry. This is also analogous to history of engineering, which was academized by natural sciences, especially by mathematics and physics. The reason why optometry was academized not by medicine but by physics is because ophthalmologists did not have conciliatory attitudes to optometry education. Optometry became independent of physics from the 1930s to the 1940s. Optometric researches concentrated on binocular vision that is not included to discipline of physics, and faculty members who majored in optometry increased, so that optometry departments and graduate schools were established around 1940. Such independence from natural sciences after academization also resembles history of engineering. On the contrary, history of optometry was different from history of ophthalmology in several aspects. Ophthalmology had already been formed in the 18th century before development of visual optics, and was not academized by visual optics. Ophthalmologists body were not originated from craftsmen, and were not separated from craftsmen. History of optometry in the United States from the late 19th to the mid 20th century is analogous to history of engineering rather than history of medicine, though optometry is a medical discipline.

Oculopalpebral dimensions of adult Nigerians: report from the Enugu normative ocular anthropometry study

To determine the normal oculopalpebral anthro-pometric measurements of a Nigerian adult population. A population-based prospective observational random survey was conducted in Enugu, South-Eastern Nigeria between January and April 2010. The participants were healthy adults comprising 248 males and 252 females aged 18-76 years. One thousand eyes were examined. Demographic data, and bilateral direct manual millimetre measurements of the horizontal palpebral fissure [HPF], vertical palpebral fissure [VPF], upper lid crease [ULC], brow height [BH], and margin reflex distance [MRD] were obtained from all participants. Data were categorised by demographic variables and analysed to yield frequencies, percentages and proportions. Between-gender comparisons, using the independent t test, were considered significant at p < 0.05. The mean age of the participants was 36.5 +/- 14.6 years. There was no significant difference between the genders in mean age [men: 37.3 +/- 15.7 vs. women: 35.8 +/- 13.3, p = 0.2302]. The mean values of the parameters were [male, female] HPF: 32.8 +/- 2.0 vs.32.6 +/- 3.0; VPF: 10.6 +/- 1.2 vs. 10.6 +/- 1.2; ULC: 8.2 +/- 2.5 vs. 7.9 +/- 2.2; BH: 13.1 +/- 2.4 vs. 13.6 +/- 2.7; and MRD: 4.1 +/- 0.5 vs. 4.2 +/- 0.8. Significant between-gender difference was observed only in BH measurements [p = 0.029] and variable trends with age. Oculopalpebral measurements of normal adult Nigerians in Enugu showed variations by age and gender. This may have implications for clinical evaluation and surgical management of oculopalpebral disorders in adult South-Eastern Nigerians. Future longitudinal studies are needed

Visual outcome and astigmatism after small incision cataract

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Key factors determining success of primary eye care through vision centres in rural India: Patients’ perspectives.

Aim: This paper intends to discuss the patients’ perspective on the determinants of primary eye care services from vision centers (VC) in rural India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study design and interview method was used on 127 randomly selected patients who accessed the 4 VCs in 2007. Factor analyses and linear regression models were used to predict the associations with patient satisfaction. Results: The three factors derived from factor analyses were: (1)-vision technician (VT), (2)-location of VC, and (3)-access to VC; explaining 60% of the variance in total patients’ satisfaction with VC. The first model (R2: 0.61; F1,124=144.36, P<0.001), indicated that respondents who had ‘difficulty to travel to the place of VC’ and those who can afford to pay had less satisfaction with VT services. The second model (R2=0.18; F1,124=29.5, P<0.001) explained that respondents’ difficulty to identify the building of VC had decreased patients’ satisfaction and the third model (R2=0.36; F1,124=45.6, P<0.001) indicated that those who had to travel<5 km to the VC and had 0.38 units of increased satisfaction level with the services of VC. Conclusion: A good VT can enhance patient satisfaction. However, patient expectations are not only confined to the provider but also other factors such as ability to pay and convenient transportation that helps patients reach the location of the VC with ease.

Rapid assessment methods in eye care: An overview.

Reliable information is required for the planning and management of eye care services. While classical research methods provide reliable estimates, they are prohibitively expensive and resource intensive. Rapid assessment (RA) methods are indispensable tools in situations where data are needed quickly and where time- or cost-related factors prohibit the use of classical epidemiological surveys. These methods have been developed and field tested, and can be applied across almost the entire gamut of health care. The 1990s witnessed the emergence of RA methods in eye care for cataract, onchocerciasis, and trachoma and, more recently, the main causes of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. The important features of RA methods include the use of local resources, simplified sampling methodology, and a simple examination protocol/data collection method that can be performed by locally available personnel. The analysis is quick and easy to interpret. The entire process is inexpensive, so the survey may be repeated once every 5–10 years to assess the changing trends in disease burden. RA survey methods are typically linked with an intervention. This article provides an overview of the RA methods commonly used in eye care, and emphasizes the selection of appropriate methods based on the local need and context.

The role of optometrists in India: An integral part of an eye health team.

India has a proud tradition of blindness prevention, being the first country in the world to implement a blindness control programme which focused on a model to address blinding eye disease. However, with 133 million people blind or vision impaired due to the lack of an eye examination and provision of an appropriate pair of spectacles, it is imperative to establish a cadre of eye care professionals to work in conjunction with ophthalmologists to deliver comprehensive eye care. The integration of highly educated four year trained optometrists into primary health services is a practical means of correcting refractive error and detecting ocular disease, enabling co-managed care between ophthalmologists and optometrists. At present, the training of optometrists varies from two year trained ophthalmic assistants/optometrists or refractionists to four year degree trained optometrists. The profession of optometry in India is not regulated, integrated into the health care system or recognised by the majority of people in India as provider of comprehensive eye care services. In the last two years, the profession of optometry in India is beginning to take the necessary steps to gain recognition and regulation to become an independent primary health care profession. The formation of the Indian Optometry Federation as the single peak body of optometry in India and the soon to be established Optometry Council of India are key organisations working towards the development and regulation of optometry.

Advocacy for eye care.

The effectiveness of eye care service delivery is often dependant on how the different stakeholders are aligned. These stakeholders range from the ministries of health who have the capacity to grant government subsidies for eye care, down to the primary healthcare workers who can be enrolled to screen for basic eye diseases. Advocacy is a tool that can help service providers draw the attention of key stakeholders to a particular area of concern. By enlisting the support, endorsement and participation of a wider circle of players, advocacy can help to improve the penetration and effectiveness of the services provided. There are several factors in the external environmental that influence the eye care services – such as the availability of trained manpower, supply of eye care consumables, government rules and regulations. There are several instances where successful advocacy has helped to create an enabling environment for eye care service delivery. Providing eye care services in developing countries requires the support – either for direct patient care or for support services such as producing trained manpower or for research and dissemination. Such support, in the form of financial or other resources, can be garnered through advocacy.

Comparison of visual acuity estimates using three different letter charts under two ambient room illuminations.

Background: Visual acuity is an essential estimate to assess ability of the visual system and is used as an indicator of ocular health status. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the consistency of acuity estimates from three different clinical visual acuity charts under two levels of ambient room illumination. Materials and Methods: This study involved thirty Malay university students aged between 19 and 23 years old (7 males, 23 females), with their spherical refractive error ranging between plano and –7.75D, astigmatism ranging from plano to –1.75D, anisometropia less than 1.00D and with no history of ocular injury or pathology. Right eye visual acuity (recorded in logMAR unit) was measured with Snellen letter chart (Snellen), wall mounted letter chart (WM) and projected letter chart (PC) under two ambient room illuminations, room light on and room light off. Results: Visual acuity estimates showed no statistically significant difference when measured with the room light on and with the room light off (F1,372 = 0.26, P = 0.61). Post-hoc analysis with Tukey showed that visual acuity estimates were significantly different between the Snellen and PC (P = 0.009) and between Snellen and WM (P = 0.002). Conclusions: Different levels of ambient room illumination had no significant effect on visual acuity estimates. However, the discrepancies in estimates of visual acuity noted in this study were purely due to the type of letter chart used.