Knowledge, attitude and perception of optometrist in Pakistan towards tele-optometry.

Abstract

Purpose: To Assess comprehensive insights into awareness, behaviors and perceptions of optometrists in Pakistan related to tele-optometry, with purpose of understanding their level of familiarity and their opinions about its effectiveness. Methodology: A questionnaire based cross-sectional study was carried out at College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, Mayo Hospital Lahore from June 2023 to November 2023. The research protocol was approved by Ethical Review Board of College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sceinces, Lahore (Ref# COAVS/1453:23). The size of obtained sample was 49, and calculated by using the following formula; n = z2 * p * (1 - p) / e2 .1 It included the registered optometrists of Pakistan, and used the convenient sampling technique. The questionnaire was formed on Google form and then link was shared through different social media apps, and informed consent was taken from every participant. The exclusion criteria for this study were nationality, clinical practice and language. P-value was calculated by using Mann Whitney U test. P-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The overall understanding of tele-optometry among optometrists in Pakistan was notably low and had no training how to implement into their practice. About 60% participants reported that they were aware of the platforms/software used in tele-optometry (p = 0.046). 93% participants thought that they could implement it in their practice (p = 0.019). Conclusion: Despite a lack of extensive knowledge about tele-optometry in Pakistan, a positive attitude and favorable perceptions toward tele-optometry were prevalent.