Survey of the attitudes of Nigerian ophthalmologists to and resources for ophthalmic research

To study the views of ophthalmologists on their attitude to and the resources for ophthalmic health research in Nigeria and draw appropriate policy implications. Structured questionnaires were distributed to 120 ophthalmologists and ophthalmic residents who were attending an annual congress in Nigeria. Data were collected on background information, importance attributed to research, motivation for conducting research, funding, ethical oversight, literature search, and statistical support. The coded responses were statistically analyzed. P<0.05 was statistically significant. Eighty-nine of the 120 questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 74.2%. Research function was rated a distant last by 49.5% of the respondents after clinical service [93.2%], teaching [63.1%], and community service [62.8%]. Advancement of knowledge was the strongest motivating factor for conducting research [78.2%]. Securing funding [91.8%] and finding time [78.8%] were the major constraints. The ethical review committees were considered suboptimal by the respondents. Literature searches for research were conducted on the internet [79.3%] and was independent of age [P=0.465]. Research data were stored and analyzed on commonly available statistical software. Although study respondents regarded research highly, they were severely constrained in conducting research due to lack of access to funds and finding time away from the clinical workload. We recommend periodic [re]training on conducting good research including preparation of successful applications for research grants and allotting protected research time for ophthalmologists in Nigeria

14-year-old girl who regained normal vision after bilateral visual impairment following hot water injury to the eyes

A 14-year-old girl presented with bilateral visual impairment following hot water injury to the eyes. The patient was admitted for a week and managed with guttae tropicamide 0.5% 8 h, diclofenac sodium 0.1% 4 h, and fluoroquinolone 0.3% 6 h and ointment chloramphenicol 8 h. Also, the patient was managed with capsule doxycycline 100mg 12 h for 10 days, tablet cataflam 50 mg 12 h for 7 days and intramuscular tetanus toxoid 0.5 mg stat and dermacine cream for facial scald. The visual acuities improved from 3/60 [right eye] and 6/24 [left eye] to 6/6 in both eyes. There were resolutions of facial/eye pain, tearing, photophobia, lid edema, blepharospasm, and conjunctival hyperemia. There was complete healing of facial wounds and corneal ulcers. She was discharged from hospital on the 7th day of admission. Prompt presentation, degree of scald sustained, and appropriate medical intervention enhanced visual recovery and wound healing in the patient

Ophthalmic research priorities and practices in Nigeria: an assessment of the views of Nigerian ophthalmologists

To study the views of ophthalmologists on research priorities and outcomes in Nigeria. Materials and Methods' A structured questionnaire was distributed to 120 ophthalmologists and ophthalmic residents who were attending an annual congress in Nigeria. The participants' background information, relative research priorities, frequency of publications, research types, publication media, challenges faced in publishing and impact on health practice or policy were collected. Eighty-nine [74.2%] of the 120 questionnaires were returned. Childhood blindness was given the highest priority for ophthalmic research by 42.9% of the respondents, and genetic studies had the least priority [19.8%]. About two

hirds of the respondents had either never been involved or only involved occasionally in any type of ophthalmic research. Clinical trials [13.1%] and basic science studies [12%] were the least-performed types of research. About 51% of the respondents indicated that they had never published in journals nor did so [occasionally]; only 9% quarterly and 43% published less than once a year. They also indicated that their research very rarely resulted in change of clinical practice or health policy [20%]. Research works conducted by respondents were largely simple low-budget ones that rarely had significant impacts and outcomes, including publication. There is a need to retrain and emphasize the importance of research during undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. Adequate resources and research infrastructure should be provided for ophthalmic research in Nigeria

Challenges, attitudes and practices of the spectacle wearers in a resource limited economy

To evaluate challenges, attitudes and practices among spectacle wearers to effect positive change when necessary, and determine positive change in a resource-limited economy. A multi-hospital descriptive, cross sectional survey of spectacle wearers was conducted between May 2007 and December 2008 in Nigeria. A total of 214 wearers comprising 43.5% males and 56.5% females aged 18-84 years were surveyed. The majority of subjects [92.6%] had at least secondary education. The wearers' challenges included expensive spectacles [43.0%], falling/scratched/broken lenses [29.4%] and fear that spectacles would damage the eyes [23.8%]. The wearers' attitudes were comprised of consultations with 'road side dispensers' [7%] and permitting other individuals to select spectacle frames for them [26%]. Care and maintaince practices included use of handkerchief, tissue paper, fingers and water to clean spectacles [49.5%] and placing spectacles inside spectacle cases [30.4%]. There were no associations [P> 0.05] between gender or literacy levels and who selected the frames for the subjects, caregivers consulted for spectacles, and cleaning materials for spectacles. The placement of spectacles when not in use was significantly associated [P< 0.05] with the wearers' gender and literacy levels but not with the length of spectacle wear. Attitudes and practices requiring positive change crossed gender and educational levels among spectacle wearers. The cost of spectacles should be regulated and availability of standard eye care practices would reduce challenges including lens-related defects and quackery. During consultation with a recognized eye care professional, counseling of wearers on positive attitudes/practices as well as allaying fear of spectacle wear is required