Eye Care Practitioners Research Articles

Viewing distance, font size and symptoms of eyestrain in non-presbyopic and presbyopic smartphone users.

Smartphones are the most frequently used digital devices globally with ~6.80 billion users. Despite the ubiquitous use of smartphones, limited information is known on the preferred viewing distance and font size of smartphone users. This study investigated viewing distance, font sizeand symptoms of eyestrain in non-presbyopic and presbyopic smartphone users. In this quantitative research study, viewing distance and font size were measured in a group of non-presbyopes (n = 107) and presbyopes (n = 53), whilst participants viewed a text message and a web page on their own smartphone. Subjects also responded to a verbal questionnaire related to the characteristics of their smartphone and the computer vision syndrome questionnaire to assess symptoms of eyestrain. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. For the total sample, the mean viewing distance for a text message was 37.13 ± 8.82 cm (median 36.00 cm), and for a web page was 36.11 ± 7.98 cm (median 36.00 cm). Presbyopes had longer median viewing distances compared with non-presbyopes for a text message (41 cm vs. 34 cm, p < 0.001) and web page (40 cm vs. 34 cm, p < 0.001). The font size for non-presbyopes were <1.0 M whilst for presbyopes were >1.2 M. More than twice the percentage of non-presbyopes were classified with digital eyestrain (DES) compared with presbyopes. Non-presbyopes used shorter viewing distances, smaller font sizes and were more predisposed to DES than presbyopes. The viewing distances adopted by presbyopes were similar to the conventional near-working distance of 40 cm. Eye care practitioners should consider viewing distances when assessing near-visual functions and prescribing a near refractive correction, particularly in non-presbyopes. There should be greater awareness of the importance of adopting appropriate viewing distances when using smartphones.

Ocular disorders and compliance to protective eyewear among quarry workers in Akamkpa local government area of cross river state, Nigeria

The quarry industry over time has played a pivotal role in the transformation of the physical environment but with attendant negative effects on workers. This study ascertained the pattern of work related ocular disorders and compliance to protective eye devices among quarry workers in Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State Nigeria. This descriptive cross sectional study employed the use of a structured interview followed by a comprehensive external examination of the eyes of the subjects by qualified eye care practitioners. Data generated was analysed using the Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS) version 25.0. Results were presented descriptively using tables and figures. The study took place in 8 quarry sites located in 4 communities randomly selected and involved 184 subjects randomly selected comprising of 140 (76.09%) males and 44 (23.91%) females. The age of the participants ranged from 18-60 years with a mean age of 32.03±2.23 (SD). The study revealed that predominant ocular symptoms experienced were blurry vision (31.5%), itchy eyes (27.94%), ocular irritation/ grittiness (15.55%), eye/ headaches (12.46%) and discharges (9.61%). The most common ocular surface anomalies observed were pterygium (41.80%), corneal scar/ ulceration (18.03%) and allergic conjunctivitis (16.39%), while the most frequent type of eye injuries reported were superficial foreign bodies, blunt trauma and superficial ocular abrasion accounting for 50.92%,30.06% and 11.04% respectively. Injuries due to quarrying activities were more common among labourers (41.10% and 29.45% among stone crushers and stone processors respectively), while workers with less than 5 years work experience reported more work related eye injury (74.85%) with broken stones (80.39%) accounting for most of the injuries. Similarly, a majority (94.7%) of the participants had knowledge of Personal Protective Eye Devices (PPEDs) only 26.44% had the appropriate PPEDs and just 30.43% of them complied regularly with their usage during work. There was a statistically significant association between work experience and the occurrence of work related ocular injuries (p&gt;0.001) but the use of PPEDs has no statistically significant association with the occurrence of eye injuries. The study concluded that workers at the Akamkpa quarry, Nigeria suffered various types of work related ocular anomalies and while a majority of them had prior knowledge of the benefits of PPEDs, the level of availability and utilization is relatively low and recommended health education and strict enforcement of safety regulations.

Uptake of Myopia Control Strategies and Its Demographic Profile amongst Teenagers and Eyecare Practitioners of Lurambi Constituency, Kenya

Uptake of Myopia Control Strategies and Its Demographic Profile amongst Teenagers and Eyecare Practitioners of Lurambi Constituency, Kenya

Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Dry Eye Disease: Considerations for Clinical Management.

Dry eye disease is a multifactorial condition characterised by tear film instability, hyperosmolarity and ocular surface inflammation. Understanding the epidemiology of dry eye disease and recognising both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors can assist eye care practitioners in assessing, treating, and managing patients with the condition. This review considers current knowledge surrounding its incidence and prevalence, as well as associated demographic, systemic, ocular, and iatrogenic, and lifestyle-related modifiable risk factors. Population-based prevalence estimates vary according to the diagnostic criteria used to define dry eye disease, as well as severity and demographic characteristics of the population. Considering recent data and variable population demographics, conservative prevalence estimates suggest that 10-20% of the population over 40 years of age report moderate to severe symptoms and/or seek treatment for dry eye disease. Individuals with specific non-modifiable demographic risk factors may be at increased risk of developing dry eye disease. Advanced age, female sex and East Asian ethnicity have been identified as key non-modifiable demographic features predisposing individuals to dry eye disease. Systemic conditions that have been associated with an increased risk of dry eye disease include migraine, Sjögren syndrome, connective tissue disorders, mental health disorders, diabetes mellitus and androgen deficiency. Medications that may contribute to this risk include antidepressants, antihistamines, and hormone replacement therapy. Ocular and iatrogenic risk factors of dry eye disease include blepharitis, Demodex infestation, ocular surgery, blink completeness, contact lens wear, and topical ophthalmic medications. A range of modifiable lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of dry eye disease have also been identified, including low humidity environments, digital screen use, quality of sleep, diet, and eye cosmetic wear. Dry eye is a common disease affecting millions globally. Increasing knowledge regarding its associated risk factors can better prepare the eye care practitioner to successfully manage patients with this ocular surface disease.

International trends in prescribing silicone hydrogel contact lenses for daily wear (2000–2023): An update

PurposeIntroduced around the turn of the 21st century, silicone hydrogel contact lenses alleviated hypoxic anterior eye complications due to their high oxygen transmissibility. The purpose of this work is to update earlier surveys by describing international trends in silicone hydrogel daily wear contact lens fitting between 2000 and 2023. MethodAn annual contact lens prescribing survey was sent to eye care practitioners in up to 71 countries between 2000 and 2023. Data relating to 260,144 daily wear soft contact lens fits undertaken in 20 countries returning reliable longitudinal data were analysed in respect of silicone hydrogel daily wear contact lens fitting. ResultsThere has been a dramatic increase in silicone hydrogel daily wear lens fits (p < 0.0001), increasing from 2.8 % of all daily wear soft lens fits in 2000 to 73.7 % in 2023. Of all daily wear soft contact lenses prescribed to males, 44.6 % were silicone hydrogel lenses, compared with 43.5 % for females (p = 0.0146). The mean age of those wearing silicone hydrogel daily wear lenses was 32.0 ± 14.5 years, compared to 30.4 ± 13.6 years for those wearing daily wear hydrogel lenses (p < 0.0001). Between 2019–2023, the average percentage of fits was – (a) material type: silicone hydrogel – 73 %; mid-water content hydrogels – 13 %; high water content hydrogels – 9 %; and low water content hydrogels – 5 %, and (b) lens design: spherical – 44 %, toric – 32 %, multifocal – 17 %, monovision – 4 %, and ‘other’ – 3 %. ConclusionThe dramatic increase in silicone hydrogel contact lens prescribing for daily wear has been commensurate with the introduction of multiple lens brands and an ongoing expansion of lens designs, parameters and replacement frequency options. The balance between silicone hydrogel and hydrogel lens prescribing is perhaps starting to approach an equilibrium.

Comparison of eye drop retention time using fluorophotometry in three commercially available lubricant eye drops.

This is the first study to evaluate the retention time of lubricating eye drops containing various concentrations of sodium hyaluronate using fluorophotometry in a symptomatic dry eye population. Information regarding eye drop retention may be useful for eye care practitioners to assist in the selection of more effective treatments for managing dry eye. This study aimed to use fluorophotometry to compare retention time on the ocular surface of three commercially available lubricating eye drops, each containing varying concentrations of sodium hyaluronic acid (HA), and their effects on tear film stability post-instillation in a population with symptoms of dry eye. Adults with symptoms of dry eye (Ocular Surface Disease Index score, >12) were enrolled in this prospective, double-masked comparison of eye drops containing 0.15% HA-hydroxypropyl guar (HPGuar), 0.2% HA, and 0.1% HA. Participants were randomized to the eye drop order and the study eye under evaluation. Each eye drop was admixed with a fluorescent tracer (70-kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran) at 10% wt/vol, and 10 μL volume was instilled for each evaluation. A fluorophotometer was used to measure the time for the tracer signal to return to baseline. Fluorescein tear breakup time was measured following fluorophotometry assessment. Retention time for 0.15% HA-HPGuar and 0.2% HA was significantly longer compared with 0.1% HA (p=0.02 and p=0.03). Fluorescein tear breakup time was significantly longer for the 0.15% HA-HPGuar eye drop compared with both the 0.1% HA eye drop (p=0.01) and 0.2% HA eye drop (p=0.003). Retention time on the ocular surface of the two eye drops containing higher concentrations of HA was longer than the eye drop with the lowest concentration of HA. The tear film was also more stable with the 0.15% HA-HPGuar eye drop compared with the eye drops containing HA alone, which may be attributable to the other components in the 0.15% HA-HPGuar eye drop.

Sources of reduced visual acuity and spectacle treatment options for individuals with Down syndrome: Review of current literature.

Individuals with Down syndrome are known to have a greater prevalence of ocular conditions such as strabismus, nystagmus, elevated refractive error, poor accommodative function, elevated higher-order optical aberrations and corneal abnormalities. Related to these conditions, individuals with Down syndrome commonly have reduced best-corrected visual acuity at both far and near viewing distances across their lifespan. This review summarises the various optical sources of visual acuity reduction in this population and describes clinical trials that have evaluated alternative spectacle prescribing strategies to minimise these optical deficits. Although refractive corrections may still have limitations in their ability to normalise visual acuity for individuals with Down syndrome, the current literature provides evidence for eye care practitioners to consider in their prescribing practices for this population to maximise visual acuity. These considerations include accounting for the presence of elevated higher-order aberrations when determining refractive corrections and considering bifocal lens prescriptions, even for young children with Down syndrome.

International trends in prescribing extended wear soft contact lenses (2000–2023): An update

PurposeExtended wear has long been considered as the ultimate contact lens modality in terms of user convenience. The purpose of this work is to update earlier surveys by describing international trends in extended wear soft lens fitting between 2000 and 2023, inclusive. MethodAn annual contact lens prescribing survey was sent to eye care practitioners in up to 71 countries between 2000 and 2023, inclusive. Data relating to 282,142 soft contact lens fits undertaken in 20 countries returning reliable longitudinal data were analysed in respect of extended wear soft lens fitting. ResultsOver the duration of the work there was a very small decrease in the prescribing of extended wear soft lenses (p < 0.0001). More detailed inspection shows that prescribing of these lenses steadily increased from 5.8 % of all soft lens fits in 2000 to 11.6 % in 2007, then steadily decreased to 5.2 % in 2023. Of all soft contact lenses prescribed to males, 9.2 % were fitted for extended wear, compared with 6.7 % for females (p < 0.0001). The mean age of extended wear soft lens wearers at fitting was 34.7 ± 14.7 years, compared to 31.1. ± 14.10 years for daily soft lens wearers (p < 0.0001). Analysis of 1,948 recent extended wear soft lens fits (2019–2023, inclusive), in terms of material type, revealed that, on average, 86 % and 14 % of extended wear soft lenses were fitted using silicone hydrogel and hydrogel materials, respectively. ConclusionA modest increase in extended wear soft lens prescribing from 2000 to 2007 corresponded with the introduction of high oxygen transmissibility silicone hydrogel lenses. However, prescribing of this lens type declined thereafter, probably due to ongoing concerns over their increased rate of microbial keratitis, resulting in a prescribing rate in 2023 (5.2%) that was little different to that observed in 2000 (5.8%).

Attitudes and behaviours of UK eyecare practitioners towards fitting contact lenses for children and young people

Attitudes and behaviours of UK eyecare practitioners towards fitting contact lenses for children and young people

Ocular Implications of COVID-19 Infection and Vaccine-Related Adverse Events.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has significantly impacted various organ systems, including the eyes. Initially considered a primarily respiratory disease, it is now evident that COVID-19 can induce a range of ocular symptoms. Recognizing these ocular manifestations is crucial for eye care practitioners as they can serve as early indicators of the disease. This review consolidates current evidence on the ocular effects of COVID-19, identifying manifestations such as conjunctivitis, scleritis, uveitis, and retinopathy. The increasing prevalence of these symptoms highlights the importance of thorough eye examinations and detailed patient histories in COVID-19 cases. Potential routes of viral entry into ocular tissues and the underlying mechanisms, including direct infection, immune responses, and vascular involvement, are explored. Additionally, this review addresses ocular side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccines, such as corneal graft rejection, uveitis, and retinal issues. These findings emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance and research to ensure vaccine safety.

CPD: The ocular sequelae of eyelash and eyebrow fashions

Claire McDonnell explains why keeping up with the latest eyelash and eyebrow fashions might be of relevance to eye care practitioners

Are eye care practitioners equipped to manage people with diabetes?

Are eye care practitioners equipped to manage people with diabetes?

International trends in prescribing toric soft contact lenses to correct astigmatism (2000–2023): An update

PurposeThere have been significant advancements in toric soft contact lens design and manufacturing technology, and increased product availability, over the past half a century. The purpose of this work is to update earlier surveys by describing international trends in toric soft lens fitting between 2000 and 2023, inclusive. MethodAn annual contact lens prescribing survey was sent to eye care practitioners in up to 71 countries between 2000 and 2023, inclusive. Data relating to 220,934 standard soft daily wear single vision lens fits undertaken in 20 countries returning reliable longitudinal data were analysed in respect of toric soft lens fitting. ResultsOverall, toric soft lens prescribing almost doubled over the time-course of this survey, from 24.4 % of standard soft daily wear single vision lens fits in 2000 to 46.2 % in 2023 (p < 0.0001). There were significant differences between countries in toric soft lens prescribing (p < 0.0001). Of all standard soft daily wear single vision contact lenses prescribed to males, 32.0 % were toric soft lenses, compared with 28.7 % for females (p < 0.0001). The mean age of toric soft lens wearers was 30.5 ± 12.5 years, compared to 27.9. ± 12.1 years for spherical soft lens wearers (p < 0.0001). Analysis of 13,582 recent toric soft lens fits (2019–2023, inclusive), in terms of material type and replacement frequency, revealed the following proportions: reusable silicone hydrogel – 51 %; daily disposable silicone hydrogel – 27 %; daily disposable hydrogel – 12 %; and reusable hydrogel – 10 %. ConclusionThere has been a substantial increase in toric soft lens fitting throughout the 24 years of this survey, to a point whereby almost all clinically significant astigmatism is being corrected among those wearing standard soft daily wear single vision lenses.

CPD: The art of non-verbal communication

Optometrist and medical student, Anneka Ali, considers the implications of non-verbal communication for eye care practitioners

Access to low vision rehabilitation services in Australia: practitioner perspective

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance The burden of vision loss is both personal and economic. Having reduced vision can restrict access to education, job opportunities, and other activities, and patients can require substantial government funds for treatment and rehabilitation. An in-depth investigation of barriers and enablers is required to improve access to low vision rehabilitation services. Background Several clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of low vision rehabilitation services, leading to improved clinical and functional abilities. However not all patients make use of these resources. Methods A purposive sample of primary eyecare practitioners (optometrists and orthoptists who held a variety of roles in clinical practice, academia and low vision specific organisations) were invited to participate in focus groups that were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The resulting data were de-identified, cleaned, independently coded by two researchers and compared. Data were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach that included inductive thematic analysis. Results Of the 21 practitioners attending the five focus groups, 67% were female and 33% were male. The participants were optometrists and orthoptists with a wide range (4 to 20+ years) of clinical experience in eyecare service delivery. Four major themes emerged from the analysis: three themes focus on identifying barriers, while one theme highlighted potential enablers. These themes encompassed barriers impacting referral frequency, practitioner knowledge, patient experience, and enablers that suggest improvement options for enhancing low vision services. Conclusion Miscommunication between service providers, miscommunication between patients and clinicians, late referral, cost of services and social stigma were major barriers preventing patients from receiving low vision services. Most practitioners admitted limited knowledge of the scope of services provided by low vision organisations, suggesting there is a need for enablers such as professional development, improved communication between service providers, enhanced referral guidelines and increased public awareness.

Big data study using health insurance claims to predict multidisciplinary low vision service uptake.

There is a lack of research from high-income countries with various health care and funding systems regarding barriers and facilitators in low vision services (LVS) access. Furthermore, very few studies on LVS provision have used claims data. This study aimed to investigate which patient characteristics predict receiving multidisciplinary LVS (MLVS) in the Netherlands, a high-income country, based on health care claims data. Data from a Dutch national health insurance claims database (2015 to 2018) of patients with eye diseases causing potentially severe visual impairment were retrieved. Patients received MLVS (n = 8766) and/or ophthalmic treatment in 2018 (reference, n = 565,496). MLVS is provided by professionals from various clinical backgrounds, including nonprofit low vision optometry. Patient characteristics (sociodemographic, clinical, contextual, general health care utilization) were assessed as potential predictors using a multivariable logistic regression model, which was internally validated with bootstrapping. Predictors for receiving MLVS included prescription of low vision aids (odds ratio [OR], 8.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.99 to 9.61), having multiple ophthalmic diagnoses (OR, 3.49; 95% CI, 3.30 to 3.70), receiving occupational therapy (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 2.15 to 2.51), mental comorbidity (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.23), comorbid hearing disorder (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.86 to 2.11), and receiving treatment in both a general hospital and a specialized ophthalmic center (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.37), or by a general practitioner (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.29). Characteristics associated with lower odds included older age (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.32), having a low social economic status (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.97), physical comorbidity (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.92), and greater distance to an MLVS (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92 to 0.98). The area under the curve of the model was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.75 to 0.76; optimism = 0.0008). Various sociodemographic, clinical, and contextual patient characteristics, as well as factors related to patients' general health care utilization, were found to influence MLVS receipt as barriers or facilitators. Eye care practitioners should have attention for socioeconomically disadvantaged older patients when considering MLVS referral.

A Comprehensive Review of Microbial Biofilms on Contact Lenses: Challenges and Solutions.

Contact lenses (CL) have become an immensely popular means of vision correction, offering comfort to millions worldwide. However, the persistent issue of biofilm formation on lenses raises significant problems, leading to various ocular complications and discomfort. The aim of this review is to develop safer and more effective strategies for preventing and managing microbial biofilms on CL, improving the eye health and comfort of wearers. Taking these into consideration, the present study investigates the intricate mechanisms of biofilm formation, by exploring the interplay between microbial adhesion, the production of extracellular polymeric substances, and the properties of the lens material itself. Moreover, it emphasizes the diverse range of microorganisms involved, encompassing bacteria, fungi, and other opportunistic pathogens, elucidating their implications within lenses and other medical device-related infections and inflammatory responses. Going beyond the challenges posed by biofilms on CL, this work explores the advancements in biofilm detection techniques and their clinical relevance. It discusses diagnostic tools like confocal microscopy, genetic assays, and emerging technologies, assessing their capacity to identify and quantify biofilm-related infections. Finally, the paper delves into contemporary strategies and innovative approaches for managing and preventing biofilms development on CL. In Conclusion, this review provides insights for eye care practitioners, lens manufacturers, and microbiology researchers. It highlights the intricate interactions between biofilms and CL, serving as a foundation for the development of effective preventive measures and innovative solutions to enhance CL safety, comfort, and overall ocular health. Research into microbial biofilms on CL is continuously evolving, with several future directions being explored to address challenges and improve eye health outcomes as far as CL wearers are concerned.

International trends in daily disposable contact lens prescribing (2000–2023): An update

PurposeDaily disposable contact lenses offer numerous benefits in terms of ocular health and wearer convenience. The purpose of this work is to update earlier surveys by describing global trends in daily disposable lens fitting between 2000 and 2023. MethodAn annual contact lens prescribing survey was sent to eye care practitioners in up to 71 countries between 2000 and 2023, inclusive. Data relating to 265,106 daily wear soft lens fits undertaken in 20 countries returning reliable longitudinal data were analysed in respect of daily disposable lens fitting. ResultsOverall, daily disposable lens prescribing increased over time, from 17.1 % of daily wear soft lens fits in 2000 to 46.7 % in 2023 (p < 0.0001). There were significant differences between countries in daily disposable lens prescribing (p < 0.0001), and between the percentage of males fitted with daily disposable lenses, as a proportion of all daily wear soft lenses (37.2 %), compared to females (35.2 %) (p < 0.0001). Daily disposable lens wearers are slightly younger at fitting than reusable soft lens wearers (31.0 vs 31.2 years, respectively) (p < 0.0001), although this difference is not clinically meaningful. Analysis of 50,240 daily wear soft lenses fitted recently (2019–2023) were found to be prescribed for the following replacement frequencies: daily – 47 %; monthly – 42 %; 1–2 weekly – 9 %; and ≥3 monthly – 2 %. ConclusionThere has been a substantial increase in daily disposable lens fitting throughout the first 24 years of this century. The gradual nature of this increase is commensurate with the staged introduction of daily disposable lens designs and expanded parameter ranges over the survey period.

International trends in rigid contact lens prescribing (2000–2023): An update

PurposeRigid contact lenses have an important role in contact lens practice. The purpose of this work is to update earlier surveys by describing global trends in rigid lens fitting between 2000-2023. MethodAn annual contact lens prescribing survey was sent to eye care practitioners in up to 71 countries between 2000 and 2023. Data relating to 342,500 fits undertaken in 20 countries returning reliable longitudinal data were analysed in respect of rigid lens fitting, defined as the fitting of any design of a contact lens manufactured in a rigid material. ResultsOverall, rigid lens prescribing increased slightly over time, from 14.2 % of lens fits in 2000 to 15.2 % in 2023 (p < 0.0001). However, post-hoc analysis shows that the change over time is best described as a decline between 2000 and 2012, followed by a steady increase subsequently. There were significant differences in rigid lens prescribing between countries (p < 0.0001). The difference between the percentage of males fitted with rigid lenses, as a proportion of all contact lenses (12.7 %), and females (12.0 %) is significant (p < 0.0001), although not clinically meaningful. Rigid lens wearers are older at fitting than soft lens wearers (38.7 vs 31.3 years, respectively) (p < 0.0001). Analysis of 5,994 rigid lens fits prescribed currently (2019–2023) were categorised as: corneal sphere – 30 %; scleral and corneo-scleral – 28 %; corneal myopia control/orthokeratology – 21 %; and corneal complex (including toric, multifocal and monovision) – 16 %. ConclusionThere has been a slight increase in rigid lens fitting during the second decade of this century. This increase is apparently due to a ‘repurposing’ of rigid lenses, with the growth of scleral/corneo-scleral and myopia control/orthokeratology lens fits essentially replacing conventional spherical corneal lens fits.

Keratoconus in the West Region of Cameroon: Stakeholder knowledge and management

Background: Adequate knowledge and skills by eyecare personnel and administrators are essential for the early diagnosis and prompt management of keratoconus (KC).Aim: This study aimed to determine the knowledge and skills of key stakeholders on KC management in eyecare facilities of Bafoussam, West Region of Cameroon.Setting: Eyecare facilities in the West Region of Cameroon.Methods: A qualitative study, using a purposive (non-probability) sampling technique, was applied to collect data relevant to this study. In-depth interviews were used to collect data from eyecare personnel and administrators. Eyecare personnel in this study comprised optometrists, ophthalmic nurses and optometric technicians, who are trained to World Council of Optometry (WCO) competency level one or two. There were no ophthalmologists working at the study sites. Data obtained were captured, de-identified and stored in a password-protected electronic file. Data were coded and analysed applying a deductive thematic analysis approach.Results: There were 21 participants (five administrators and 16 eyecare professionals) from five facilities. Fourteen (66.6%) were males; 10 (47.6%) had 11–20 years of work experience. The majority of the participants had limited or no knowledge of KC. They reported an undersupply of KC diagnostic equipment and consumables at facilities, resulting in poor diagnosis and management of KC patients.Conclusion: The study revealed inadequate knowledge, training and skills of eyecare practitioners and administrators on KC. Deficiencies in KC diagnosis and management could cause visual impairment with a potential negative impact on the quality of life (QoL) of KC patients.Contribution: This study illustrates the need to procure basic equipment, capacitate eyecare workers with knowledge of KC and establish standard clinical protocols for the diagnosis and management of KC, including referral pathways.