ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Optometry as a profession constitutes a distinct body of knowledge informed and sustained by evidence-based approaches derived from painstaking peer-reviewed scientific research publications. Background The contribution of African Optometric academics affiliated with African universities to the body of knowledge of the profession is yet to be assessed. This study sought to profile the research impact of African optometrists as a contribution to knowledge in the field of Optometry. Methods A structured bibliometric search was conducted on the Scopus database using a list of all Optometry training institutions in Africa and comprehensive optometry-related search terms. The resulting publications were systematically screened in two stages: (a) identification of articles directly related to optometry and (b) identification of the authors of those optometry-related publications who are optometrists affiliated with optometry schools in Africa. The authors were then ranked based on h-index, research productivity, citation metrics, and publication rate. The final data was extracted on 31 March 2025. Results The Top 50 African Optometric academics ranked by research impact have h-indices ranging from 5 to 52 and have published between 8 and 166 papers. Eleven (22%) are women. Kovin Shunmugam Naidoo is the most impactful researcher on the African continent, with the highest h-index of 52 and a citation count of 64,357. The most prolific author is William Frith Harris (166 papers). Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu and Mutali Musa have the fastest publishing rate (11.3 papers per year). The active publication years ranged from 2 to 29 years, with a median of 10 years. Conclusion African optometric academics have made moderate contributions to optometry literature, and their shorter active publication years depict a great potential for further contributions over time. The 50 most impactful optometrists in Africa are identified for collaboration and partnership.

The rapid proliferation of Large Language Models (LLM) tools, such as ChatGPT developed by OpenAI, presents both a challenge and an opportunity for educators. While LLMs can generate convincing written responses across a wide range of academic fields, their capabilities vary noticeably across different models, fields and even sub‐fields. This paper aims to evaluate the capabilities of LLMs in the field of optometry and vision science by analysing the quality of the responses generated by ChatGPT using sample long answer questions covering different sub‐fields of optometry, namely binocular vision, clinical communication, dispensing and ocular pathology. It also seeks to explore the possibility of LLMs being used as virtual graders. The capabilities of ChatGPT were explored utilising various GPT models (GPT‐3.5, GPT‐4 and o1 models, from oldest to newest) by investigating the concordance between ChatGPT and a human grader. This was followed by benchmarking the performance of these GPT models to various sample questions in optometry and vision science. Statistical analyses include mixed‐effect analysis and the Friedman test, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test and thematic analysis. ChatGPT graders awarded higher marks compared to human graders, but significant only for GPT‐3.5 (p < 0.05). Benchmarking on sample questions demonstrated that all GPT models can generate satisfactory responses above the 50% ‘pass’ score in many cases (p < 0.05), albeit with the performance varying significantly across different sub‐fields (p < 0.0001) and models (p = 0.0003). Newer models significantly outperformed older models in most cases. The frequency of thematic response errors was more mixed between GPT‐3.5 and GPT‐4 models (p < 0.05 to p > 0.99), while o1 made no thematic errors. These findings indicate ChatGPT may impact learning and teaching practices in this field. The inconsistent performances across sub‐fields and additional implementation considerations, such as ethics and transparency, support a judicious adaptation of assessment practice and adoption of the technology in optometry and vision science education.

Digital Eye Strain (DES) is an increasingly common problem among computer users due to prolonged screen use. The study aims to assess the prevalence and severity of DES in different age groups, as well as identify the main factors that play a role in this condition. Over the past few decades, the use of digital devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones has experienced a significant increase. DES is a set of symptoms in the eyes and vision associated with long-term use of digital devices. Common symptoms that are often reported include dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and eye fatigue. Several studies show that the prevalence of DES is quite significant, especially among office workers, students, and students who frequently interact with digital screens. This phenomenon received serious attention in the field of optometry because it can affect a person's quality of life and productivity. Various factors can affect how severe DES is, such as length of screen time, lack of lighting, body position, and visibility to the screen. Therefore, a thorough assessment is needed to understand the extent to which DES affects computer users and how optometric methods can be utilized to mitigate its adverse effects. This study aims to analyze the association between the length of computer use and the level of degenerative eye syndrome (DES) in users and evaluate the effectiveness of optometrative interventions, such as the use of special corrective lenses, exposure adjustments, and recommendations for rest, in reducing DES symptoms among computer users. The method used was a cross-sectional study involving participants between the ages of 18 and 60 years. Participants include lecturers, students, and teaching staff in the ARO Leprindo environment. Data was obtained through a structured questionnaire that evaluated the duration of screen use, DES symptoms, and lifestyle factors. A thorough eye examination is carried out, including visual acuity testing, refractive assessment and analysis of the tear layer. This study emphasizes the significance of routine optometrical assessments and interventions to reduce the negative effects of excessive use of digital devices on eye health.

Currently, the management of myopia represents a critical focus within the fi elds of optometry and ophthalmology. This the rapid proliferation of myopia across numerous nations notably those with extensive populations such as Russia, China, USA. Moreover, the increased interest in myopia management emerges from innovative optical correction methods specifically designed to slow the progression of myopia. Consequently, the presence of multiple optical intervention options necessitates judicious decision- making by clinicians regarding the selection of a particular method. The effectiveness of myopia control measures is further attributable to the development of a treatment plan and long-term dynamic observation. Such an approach allows for the timely modification of treatment protocols to ensure the stabilization of eye axial length growth and correction of. The term «Myopia progression management medical technology» is encompasses various procedures designed to prevent the onset of myopia, diagnose and treat progressive myopia, and assist physicians overseeing patients with myopia.

안경광학 분야의 연구비 수혜 논문의 현황과 주제어 동향

With the rapid development of computer technology, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to ophthalmology has gained prominence in modern medicine. As modern optometry is closely related to ophthalmology, AI research on optometry has also increased. This review summarizes current AI research and technologies used for diagnosis in optometry, related to myopia, strabismus, amblyopia, optical glasses, contact lenses, and other aspects. The aim is to identify mature AI models that are suitable for research on optometry and potential algorithms that may be used in future clinical practice.

The rapid development of computer science over the past few decades has led to unprecedented progress in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Its wide application in ophthalmology, especially image processing and data analysis, is particularly extensive and its performance excellent. In recent years, AI has been increasingly applied in optometry with remarkable results. This review is a summary of the application progress of different AI models and algorithms used in optometry (for problems such as myopia, strabismus, amblyopia, keratoconus, and intraocular lens) and includes a discussion of the limitations and challenges associated with its application in this field.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of experiential learning in optometry training in Singapore Polytechnic (SP). Methods: A survey questionnaire consisting of 4 quantitative questions designed using a 5-point Likert scale and an open-ended question, was administered to students and lecturers from 2018-2020 cohorts to gather feedback on their learning experiences. Students’ practical performances were analysed to evaluate the effect of “My 1st patient” project on their technical and soft skills. Results: Survey responses from students (n=113) and lecturers (n=18) were collected. Both students and lecturers reported positive impact on learning via ‘My 1st Patient’ experience. Paired T-test were used to analyse practical performance (n=122). Improvements in their practical performance after the project (p value &lt;0.001) is observed. Conclusion: This study has shown the effectiveness and potential of the experiential learning model in the field of Optometry.

Due to the prevalence and the possibility of myopia progression, myopia is currently of particular interest to many specialists in both the field of optometry and ophthalmology. In the initial diagnosis of the patient, it is important to determine whether the refractive error is isolated or if it coexists with other eye disorders/diseases or general health problems. This refractive error can be divided into axial and refractive myopia. In the latter case, the change in refraction may result from too great curvature of the cornea in relation to the length of the eyeball, or an increase in the optical curvatures other than the anterior surface of the cornea, or an increase in the refractive index of at least one of the optical structures, or a shallower anterior chamber of the eye. It is also worth distinguishing myopia associated with complex syndromes. Uncorrected myopia can significantly hinder daily functioning. It is therefore important to detect it as early as possible, correct it properly.

Healthcare professionals often face ethical dilemmas, which arise when two ethical principles conflict. Despite the potential for psychological consequences, no study has examined ethical dilemmas in the field of optometry. Objective. This article is the first in a series of three pertaining to a joint study that aimed to identify and describe the ethical dilemmas faced by optometrists. Method. An online survey sent to 1,393 optometrists asked them about various categories of ethical dilemmas. Unlimited space was provided for explanations. Results. Each of the 22 ethical dilemmas proposed had previously been encountered by between 3.75% and 67.9% of the 240 respondents. This first article reports that ethical dilemmas involving confidentiality are varied and those pertaining to the filling out of driver’s licence forms had previously affected 40% of the participants. Conclusion. Optometrists regularly face tough ethical decisions for which knowledge of the legislation and regulations alone is insufficient. The results will be revealed in the next two articles in this series, with the last one broaching the discussion of how to optimize the management of ethical issues in the field of optometry.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology advances, it is used in almost every aspect of our lives. However, AI is still complicated to implement without help from computer engineers. In the health care field, knowledge of medical and computer knowledge is necessary to create AI-based medical systems. Close cooperation between medical experts and computer experts is essential. For this reason, even if there has been a continuous effort to apply AI into the medical field, it has yet to be universalized. In particular, in the field of optometry and ophthalmology, more complex technology is required than in other medical fields because it is necessary to analyze an eye image to diagnose a disease. Therefore, this study explores the possibility for medical professionals with little computer knowledge in the field of ophthalmology to develop an AI-based diagnostic system without the help of computer engineers. In addition, it explores not only the possibilities but also the diagnostic accuracy of the developed system. Our results show that the diagnostic system discriminates against five common eye diseases to some extent. This study explores whether AI democratization is possible even in the field of ophthalmology that requires advanced skills and knowledge.

Purpose. This paper aims to evaluate whether telemedical models or examination and prevention models based on artificial intelligence offer German optometrists a chance to increase their status as vision care providers and to provide better eye care in Germany. Material and Methods. Both a systematic literature review and an expert survey were conducted. Study results of deep learning vision screening applications in the fields of glauco- ma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retino- pathy as well results of expert interviews are discussed. Results. The study results and expert interviews demonstrate that cooperation between optometrists and ophthalmologists in a telemedical network is an essential tool for improving the eye health care of the population and relieves ophthalmo- logists of routine tasks. The first telemedical cooperative pro- gram between German optometrists and ophthalmologists demonstrates a successful cooperation. Conclusion. Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly finding its way into the field of vision screening. Telemedicine and the electronic patient medical record play a unique role. They en- able German optometrists to secure and expand high-quality service offerings in the field of optometry. Keywords telemedicine, artificial intelligence, vision screening, age- related macular degeneration diabetic retinopathy

BACKGROUND: Certain occupations and career paths require potential candidates who meet certain visual standards that allow them to apply or hold realistic possibilities for career advancement. AIM: This study aims to assess the visual function requirements for public jobs in Saudi Arabia and compare them with international standards. METHODS: Interview with eye care specialists in the fields of optometry and ophthalmology was conducted. This interview was consisted of seven pre-approved questions on current vision health requirements for eyesight-dependent careers. RESULTS: Interview responses revealed the existence of several visual requirements which were visual acuity, color vision, and visual field. These requirements are essential for various government jobs and functions, with examinations of applicants being necessary for acceptance of a vacancy or subsequent career progression. CONCLUSION: Many government positions of employment require predefined level visual standards which are not widely known. Defining what these standards are and making them publicly accessible will aid both future candidates in better planning their employment options and specialists in providing the required standards on request.

In retrospect, visional researches mostly focused on vision sensitivity. However, a vision model suitable to human eye shall be built to further explore human eye visional characteristics. Most of the vision models in the fields of optometry and physiological optics must be modified to bring them more closer to actual human eye characteristics. While the aforementioned potential problem would not impede the visual capability of a person with normal eye sight, it tends to cause significant implication for a patient with retina illness during the initial syndrome and recuperation period after surgical operation. Under some special circumstances, such as in a battle field when lack of light is norm due to weather and landform conditions, human eye recognition capability would be significantly compromised as well. The CSF (Contrast sensitivity function) curve is proposed to be applied to the analysis in evaluating human eye recognition characteristics problems. this is the first literature to incorporate CS(contrast sensitivity) correction into human vision multi-parameter model. The modified modeling is validated by the experiment results showing the modified model is closed to human eye’s CSF curve.

Although various previous studies have reported that the experimentally induced refractive errors interfered with postural control, few studies have demonstrated the optical correction effect of wearing glasses. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether wearing full corrected glasses to correct myopia and hyperopia can have a positive effect on postural stability. To this end, a total of 34 subjects (19 males and 15 females) of an average age of 22.38 ± 2.41-years-old participated in this study. After measuring the full corrected powers of refractive errors of subjects through subjective refraction, updated glasses were provided to 17 myopic subjects and first time glasses were provided to 17 hyperopic subjects as full corrected glasses, respectively. Postural evaluation was carried out using the TETRAX biofeedback system, after which we compared and analyzed the postural instability index and sway power index before and after wearing full corrected glasses. When updated and old glasses for correcting myopia were worn, the postural instability index was significantly reduced, and the sway power index was statistically decreased only in the mid-high frequency region associated with the somatic system, compared to the no glasses state, respectively. However, after wearing first time glasses for hyperopia correction, no significant difference was found in the postural instability index or sway power index. We suggest that providing optimal visual information through the optical correction of myopic refractive error is a useful approach that can lead to synergistic effects of somatic functions involved in postural control. Consequently, we demonstrated that wearing glasses to fully correct the refractive errors has a positive effect on increasing postural control in static posture. Our results may have important clinical implications in the field of optometry and balance evaluation.

Although various previous studies have reported that the experimentally induced refractive errors interfered with postural control, few studies have demonstrated the optical correction effect of wearing glasses. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether wearing full corrected glasses to correct myopia and hyperopia can have a positive effect on postural stability. To this end, a total of 34 subjects (19 males and 15 females) of an average age of 22.38 ± 2.41-years-old participated in this study. After measuring the full corrected powers of refractive errors of subjects through subjective refraction, updated glasses were provided to 17 myopic subjects and first time glasses were provided to 17 hyperopic subjects as full corrected glasses, respectively. Postural evaluation was carried out using the TETRAX biofeedback system, after which we compared and analyzed the postural instability index and sway power index before and after wearing full corrected glasses. When updated and old glasses for correcting myopia were worn, the postural instability index was significantly reduced, and the sway power index was statistically decreased only in the mid-high frequency region associated with the somatic system, compared to the no glasses state, respectively. However, after wearing first time glasses for hyperopia correction, no significant difference was found in the postural instability index or sway power index. We suggest that providing optimal visual information through the optical correction of myopic refractive error is a useful approach that can lead to synergistic effects of somatic functions involved in postural control. Consequently, we demonstrated that wearing glasses to fully correct the refractive errors has a positive effect on increasing postural control in static posture. Our results may have important clinical implications in the field of optometry and balance evaluation.

The field of optometry has become increasingly interested in patient-reported outcomes, reflecting a common trend occurring across the spectrum of healthcare. This article reviews the development of the Contact Lens User Experience: CLUE system designed to assess patient evaluations of contact lenses. CLUE was built using modern psychometric methods such as factor analysis and item response theory. The qualitative process through which relevant domains were identified is outlined as well as the process of creating initial item banks. Psychometric analyses were conducted on the initial item banks and refinements were made to the domains and items. Following this data-driven refinement phase, a second round of data was collected to further refine the items and obtain final item response theory item parameters estimates. Extensive qualitative work identified three key areas patients consider important when describing their experience with contact lenses. Based on item content and psychometric dimensionality assessments, the developing CLUE instruments were ultimately focused around four domains: comfort, vision, handling, and packaging. Item response theory parameters were estimated for the CLUE item banks (377 items), and the resulting scales were found to provide precise and reliable assignment of scores detailing users' subjective experiences with contact lenses. The CLUE family of instruments, as it currently exists, exhibits excellent psychometric properties.

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목적: 한국안광학회지에 게재된 논문을 대상으로 안경광학의 연구동향을 분석하여 향후 연구를 위한 기초자료로 활용하고자 하였다. 방법: 창간호부터 2014년까지 한국안광학회지에 게재된 990편의 논문을 대상으로 일반적 특성과 연구자 특성, 연구 특성, 연구동향을 통계분석 하였다. 결과: 게재논문의 저자 수는 2인과 3인이 각각 26.8%로 가장 많았다. 주 저자 소속지역은 전라지역이 31.3%로 가장 많았고 소속대학의 학제는 4년제가 43.0%로 가장 많았다. 연구방법은 검사가 40.9%로 가장 많았으며 연구주제는 검안학분야가 29.8%로 가장 많았다. 저자 수에 따라 주저자 소속대학의 학제, 연구방법에서 유의한 차이가 나타났다(p=0.000). 주 저자 소속대학의 학제에 따라 연구방법에서 유의한 차이가 나타났다(p=0.000). 연구주제에 따라 주 저자 소속대학 학제, 연구방법(p=0.000)에서 유의한 차이가 나타났다. 기간구분(1996~2004, 2005~2014)에 따라 유의한 차이가 나타났는데 저자 수는 증가하였으며, 4년제 대학교 소속 저자가 많아졌다(p=0.000). 검안학과 콘택트렌즈분야의 논문이 증가하였고 연구비수혜도 증가하였다(p<0.005). 또한 서울, 충청지역의 주 저자가 증가하였다(p=0.000). 결론: 안경광학 학문의 발전을 위해서 연구자의 층을 넓히고 다양한 연구주제를 다루어야 하며 안경업계와 학계의 공동노력, 해외협력이 필요하다. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the research trends of Ophthalmic Optic by targeting the papers published in the Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society and serve it as a basis for future researches. Methods: This study was conducted through a statistical analysis of the general characteristics, researcher characteristics, research characteristics and the research trends from total 990 papers, from the first issue to the last issue in 2014, published in the Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society. Results: Most common number of the authors of the published papers were two or three, respectively 26.8%. Most of the lead authors belong to the schools in Jeolla-do province (31.3%). Most of the educational system of which lead authors belong to is four-year-course system (43.0%). Most common research methods were optometric tests (40.9%). The most common subjects of researches are about the field of optometry (29.8%). The study shows that there were significant differences in the research methods depending on the school systems of the universities to which the lead authors belong (p=0.000). There also were significant differences in the school systems of the universities to which the lead authors belong, and research methods depending on the research subjects (p=0.000). There were meaningful differences according to the period divisions (1996 to 2004 and 2005 to 2014), i.e. the number of authors has been growing, and it is the same case for the number of the authors who belong to four-year-course universities (p=0.000). The number of papers on optometry and contact lenses have increase. The benefits of the research funds have also increased (p<0.005). In addition, the number of the lead authors in the Seoul and Chungcheong province have increased (p=0.000). Conclusions: For the development of the Ophthalmic Optics, it is necessary to broaden the stratum of researchers and deal with various research topics, And joint efforts between eyewear industry and academia and international cooperations are needed.

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