Ophthalmic Health Research Articles

The evaluation of completeness of examination of eye-ground in ambulatory conditions in pregnant women on the basis of results of their interviewing

The pregnancy and delivery can provoke development of retinal detachment in women in the presence of pathological alterations of eye-ground. The rapid development of ophthalmology and amelioration of material and technical resources of medical organizations processing out-patient reception permit hoping for comprehensive examination of eye-ground of all pregnant women. The study was carried out with purpose to evaluate completeness of examination of eye-ground of pregnant women in out-patient conditions. The methods. The questionnaire survey was organized concerning women at the last month of pregnancy being for treatment in department ofpregnancy pathology in a certain maternity hospital under large multifield hospital of Moscow in 2014-2015. The analysis was applied to answers of 481 women concerning completeness of their examination by ophthalmologist at out-patient stage of observation. The analysis of grounds for alertness of ophthalmologists concerning risk of retinal detachment was implemented on the basis of data from state statistical reporting form № 12 about morbidity of Russian population (including girls aged from 15 to 17 years) with eye diseases and its adnexa (2005-2015), myopia (2005-2014), degenerative myopia and retinal detachment with rupture (2014-2015). Conclusions. The study established that every ninth women (11.2%) miss visiting to ophthalmologist during pregnancy; in all the rest, condition of periphery of eye-ground was not examined properly i. e. examination of eye-ground under mydriasis is implemented in 41.2% of cases and in case of one-time visit (54.2%) only in 33.7% of cases. The absence of mandatory examination of eye-ground at wide pupil of pregnant women by ophthalmologists of primary medical care level deprive of any sense recommendation about twice visit to oculist during pregnancy period. The observed deterioration of ophthalmic health ofpopulation provoke no interest in oculists ofprimary medical care level to increasing of alertness related to risk of retinal detachment during natural delivery. There are grounds to expect further increasing of development of retinal detachment in women during natural delivery.

INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE IN CLINICALLY NORMAL BROOK TROUt (SALVELINUS FONTINALIS) BY MEANS OF REBOUND TONOMETRY.

The purpose of this study was to establish physiologic reference values for intraocular pressure (IOP) in clinically healthy trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). The study population consisted of 15 adult brook trout (14 male, 1 female); body weight ranged from 0.47 to 1.15 kg; length from 33.5 to 45.2 cm; and eye diameter from 11 to 14 mm. Animals were anesthetized, and a preliminary ophthalmic exam was performed. IOP was then measured by rebound tonometer. Three values were obtained for each eye. The animals were subsequently euthanized, and postmortem IOP was measured by the same method. A standard necropsy was performed on each fish to determine sex and to examine it for gross lesions. Premortem results (mm Hg) of measurements in the right eyes (n = 15) were 8.82 ± 2.45 mm Hg (minimum-maximum [min/max], 5-14 mm Hg; median, 8.33 mm Hg), and postmortem results were 6.31 ± 2.31 mm Hg (min/max, 3-11 mm Hg; median, 6 mmHg). Premortem results (mm Hg) of measurements in the left eyes (n = 15) were 9.20 ± 1.91 mm Hg (min/max, 5.33-12.33 mm Hg; median, 10 mm Hg), and postmortem results were and 9.81 ± 2.19mm Hg (min/max, 5-13 mmHg; median, 10.17mm Hg). A Mann-Whitney U-test was performed and revealed no significant difference within an eye under both pre- and postmortem conditions, and no significant difference between eyes between pre- and postmortem conditions. Rebound tonometry is a practical and efficient means of determining IOP in freshly euthanized fish or in anesthetized fish, where it requires minimal anesthetic and restraint time; it could potentially serve as a useful diagnostic tool when evaluating ophthalmic health.

Acute tobacco smoke exposure exacerbates the inflammatory response to corneal wounds in mice via the sympathetic nervous system

Exposure to tobacco smoke is a major public health concern that can also affect ophthalmic health. Based on previous work demonstrating the important role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in corneal wound repair, we postulated that acute tobacco smoke exposure (ATSE) may act through the SNS in the impairment of corneal wound repair. Here we find that ATSE rapidly increases the markers of inflammatory response in normal corneal limbi. After an abrasion injury, ATSE exaggerates inflammation, impairs wound repair, and enhances the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and inflammatory molecules such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-17. We find that chemical SNS sympathectomy, local adrenergic receptor antagonism, NF-κB1 inactivation, and IL-6/IL-17A neutralization can all independently attenuate ATSE-induced excessive inflammatory responses and alleviate their impairment of the healing process. These findings highlight that the SNS may represent a major molecular sensor and mediator of ATSE-induced inflammation.

Analysis on ophthalmic human resource allocation and service delivery at county level in Mainland China in 2014

Objective: To master the status of ophthalmic human resource allocation and service delivery at county level in Mainland China, and to provide the basis for strengthening the construction of grassroots ophthalmic personnel team and formulating feasible medium and long-term eye health plans. Methods: All the medical institutions that provided ophthalmic service at county level or above were investigated by online reporting. This study only included medical institutions at county level. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: Three thousand three hundred and fifty-nine medical institutions were included, of which 1 463 hospitals had independent departments of ophthalmology (43.55%). Each medical institution has 3.93 ophthalmologists, 4.59 ophthalmic nurses, 0.30 full-time optometrist and 0.21 full-time optician. Ophthalmologists are mainly undergraduate, and the ratio of senior, intermediate and junior titles is 1.0∶1.7∶1.9. The ophthalmic nurses are mainly graduated from junior colleges or secondary schools, and the ratio of senior, intermediate and junior titles is 1.0∶7.3∶22.3. There were statistically differences in the distribution of job titles of ophthalmologists (χ(2)=106.21, P<0.01) and nurses (χ(2)=128.54, P<0.01) in the eastern, central and western regions. Of each ophthalmologist, the annual number of outpatient, outpatient surgery, inpatient and inpatient operation was 2 377.62, 109.79, 124.03, and 85.97 respectively. Four thousand one hundred and sixty ophthalmologists were able to carry out cataract surgeries independently, accounting for 31.50% of all ophthalmologists. The quantity for annual per capita cataract operation among ophthalmologists who can perform cataract surgery independently was 181.81 per capita. The average beds rate of utilization was 68.91%, and that was less than 60% in 52.99% of medical institutions. Conclusions: Compared with 1998, ophthalmic health personnel at county level in Mainland China has expanded rapidly. But cataract ability of ophthalmologists and the number of cataract surgeries still need to be improved. The structure of ophthalmic nursing staff is irrational. The full-time optometrists and opticians are extremely scarce. It is necessary to cultivate high-quality ophthalmic health personnel and improve beds rate of utilization at county level. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54:929-934).

Recommendation for ophthalmic care in German preschool health examination and its adherence: Results of the prospective cohort study ikidS.

BackgroundEach child in Germany undergoes a preschool health examination including vision screening and recommendations for further ophthalmic care. This study investigated the frequency of and adherence to these recommendations.MethodsA population-based prospective cohort study was performed in the area of Mainz-Bingen (Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany). All preschoolers were examined at the statutory preschool health examination, which includes vision testing (Rodenstock vision screener) with available correction in the last preschool year. Based on the results, recommendations for further ophthalmic care were given to the parents. Six weeks prior to school entry, parents were surveyed concerning ophthalmic health care visits, diagnoses, and treatments. Ophthalmic care recommendation frequency and its adherence were investigated using logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders.Results1226 children were included in this study, and 109 children received a recommendation for ophthalmic care based on the preschool health examination. At the follow-up, 84% of children who had received a recommendation had visited an ophthalmologist within the preceding year compared to 47% of children who had not received a recommendation. The recommendation for ophthalmic care was clearly associated with a higher number of ophthalmological visits (odds ratio = 7.63; 95% confidence interval: 3.96–14.7). In a subgroup analysis, adherence to a recommendation was lower in children with migrant background (OR = 2.26; 95%-CI: 0.64–7.90, compared to: OR = 11.6; 95%-CI: 4.95–27.4) and in those with low socio-economic status.ConclusionsAdherence to preschool recommendations for ophthalmic care is high in German preschoolers. However, a migrant background and low socio-economic status may reduce this adherence.

Visual impairment and blindness in institutionalized elderly in Germany.

To determine the prevalence of and identify factors associated with visual impairment and blindness in institutionalized elderly in Germany. In this prospective multicenter cross-sectional study, ophthalmic health care need and provision were investigated in institutionalized elderly in 32 nursing homes in Germany. All participants underwent a standardized examination including medical and ocular history, refraction, visual acuity testing, tonometry, biomicroscopy, and dilated funduscopy. A standardized questionnaire was used to identify factors associated with eye healthcare utilization, visual impairment and/or blindness. Visual acuity of 566 (94.3%; 413 women and 153 men) of a total of 600 institutionalized elderly was determined. Mean age of the included patients was 82.9years (± 9.8). Of all participants, 30 (5.3%; 95% CI 3.4-7.2%) were blind and 106 (18.7%; 95% CI 15.5-21.9%) were moderately or severely visually impaired according to the World Health Organization definition. The 136 blind and moderately or severely visually impaired participants were older (OR, Odds Ratio = 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.1; p < 0.001), and more likely to have reduced mobility (OR = 12.6, 95% CI 2.8-57.6; p = 0.001). A high proportion of blindness and visual impairment was found amongst nursing home residents. Age and reduced mobility were factors associated with an increased likelihood of blindness and visual impairment. Any surveys of blindness and visual impairment excluding nursing homes may considerably underestimate the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness.

Prevalence, morbidity and treatment seeking behavior for allergic conjunctivitis in children in a North Indian community

PurposeTo assess the prevalence, morbidity and treatment seeking behavior amongst children aged 5–15 years, suffering from allergic conjunctivitis. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was done in a semiurban low-income community in Chandigarh, India. Children of age group 5–15 years, having allergic conjunctivitis were identified by systematic random sampling technique. A survey proforma and an interview schedule was used to gather information on socio demographic profile and data pertaining to allergic conjunctivitis and related morbidities among the study subjects. Intensity of symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis was also assessed using proforma and an observation checklist. ResultsA total of 217 subjects were enrolled. Prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis was 12.22%. Occurrence was more in males (13.44%) than females (10.71%). Itching and frequent eye rubbing were the commonly reported symptoms. Dust (35%) was the most common precipitating factor and perennial conjunctivitis was more common (54.8%). Reported co-morbidities included allergic rhinitis / hay fever (23.9%), dermatitis (9.7%) and asthma (0.5%). Only 44% subjects had sought treatment from a doctor; and barely 11% completed their treatment. ConclusionsAllergic conjunctivitis has a high prevalence among children but is frequently overlooked. Inspite of its frequency, treatment seeking behavior is low amongst the affected population. Identification of patients and their appropriate treatment is important to improve the ophthalmic health of the community.

Strengthening primary eye care in South Africa: An assessment of services and prospective evaluation of a health systems support package.

Visual impairment is a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where eye care is predominantly provided at the primary healthcare (PHC) level, known as primary eye care. This study aimed to perform an evaluation of primary eye care services in three districts of South Africa and to assess whether an ophthalmic health system strengthening (HSS) package could improve these services. Baseline surveys were conducted in Cape Winelands District, Johannesburg Health District and Mopani District at 14, 25 and 36 PHC facilities, respectively. Thereafter, the HSS package, comprising group training, individual mentoring, stakeholder engagement and resource provision, was implemented in 20 intervention sites in Mopani District, with the remaining 16 Mopani facilities serving as control sites. At baseline, less than half the facilities in Johannesburg and Mopani had dedicated eye care personnel or sufficient space to measure visual acuity. Although visual acuity charts were available in most facilities, <50% assessed patients at the correct distance. Median score for availability of nine essential drugs was <70%. Referral criteria knowledge was highest in Cape Winelands and Johannesburg, with poor clinical knowledge across all districts. Several HSS interventions produced successful outcomes: compared to control sites there was a significant increase in the proportion of intervention sites with eye care personnel and resources such as visual acuity charts (p = 0.02 and <0.01, respectively). However, engaging with district pharmacists did not improve availability of essential drugs (p = 0.47). Referral criteria knowledge improved significantly in intervention sites (p<0.01) but there was no improvement in clinical knowledge (p = 0.76). Primary eye care in South Africa faces multiple challenges with regard to organisation of care, resource availability and clinical competence. The HSS package successfully improved some aspects of this care, but further development is warranted together with debate regarding the positioning of eye services at PHC level.

Preliminary construction of nursing care quality index in ophthalmology

Objective To explore the preliminary construction of nursing care quality index based on the characteristics of ophthalmic nursing. Methods Through literature review and experts′ discussion, the preliminary construction of nursing care quality index were designed. The Delphi method was used to revise the indicators. Results After two rounds of Delphi procedure, the opinion of the experts became consistent. Questionnaire collecting rates of the two rounds were both 100%, and cooperation index were 0.236 and 0.292 respectively (P<0.01), two first level quality indicators were confirmed, namely ophthalmic care operations (five second level indicators) and health education (four second level indicators). Conclusion The ophthalmic nursing care quality indicators were scientific, reliable and feasible, which could provide objective and quantified basis for the management of nursing care quality. Key words: Eye care; Quality indexes; Delphi technique

Can data in optometric practice be used to provide an evidence base for ophthalmic public health?

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential of using primary care optometry data to support ophthalmic public health, research and policy making. Suppliers of optometric electronic patient record systems (EPRs) were interviewed to gather information about the data present in commercial software programmes and the feasibility of data extraction. Researchers were presented with a list of metrics that might be included in an optometric practice dataset via a survey circulated by email to 102 researchers known to have an interest in eye health. Respondents rated the importance of each metric for research. A further survey presented the list of metrics to 2000 randomly selected members of the College of Optometrists. The optometrists were asked to specify how likely they were to enter information about each metric in a routine sight test consultation. They were also asked if data were entered as free text, menus or a combination of these. Current EPRs allowed the input of data relating to the metrics of interest. Most data entry was free text. There was a good match between high priority metrics for research and those commonly recorded in optometric practice. Although there were plenty of electronic data in optometric practice, this was highly variable and often not in an easily analysed format. To facilitate analysis of the evidence for public health purposes a UK based minimum dataset containing standardised clinical information is recommended. Further research would be required to develop suitable coding for the individual metrics included. The dataset would need to capture information from all sectors of the population to ensure effective planning of any future interventions.

Acceptability, Usability, and Views on Deployment of Peek, a Mobile Phone mHealth Intervention for Eye Care in Kenya: Qualitative Study.

BackgroundThe Portable Eye Examination Kit (Peek) is a mobile phone–based ophthalmic testing system that has been developed to perform comprehensive eye examinations. Shortages in ophthalmic personnel, the high cost, and the difficulty in transporting equipment have made it challenging to offer services, particularly in rural areas. Peek offers a solution for overcoming barriers of limited access to traditional ophthalmic testing methods and has been pilot tested on adults in Nakuru, Kenya, and compared with traditional eye examination tools.ObjectiveThis qualitative study evaluated the acceptability and usability of Peek in addition to perceptions regarding its adoption and nationwide deployment.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with patients and analyzed using a framework approach. This included analysis of interviews from 20 patients, 8 health care providers (HCPs), and 4 key decision makers in ophthalmic health care provision in Kenya. The participants were purposefully sampled. The coding structure involved predefined themes for assessing the following: (1) the context, that is, environment, user, task, and technology; (2) patient acceptability, that is, patients' perceived benefits, patient preference, and patient satisfaction; (3) usability, that is, efficiency, effectiveness, learnability, and flexibility and operability of Peek; and (4) the benefits of Peek in strengthening eye care provision, that is, capabilities enhancer, opportunity creator, social enabler, and knowledge generator. Emerging themes relating to the objectives were explored from the data using thematic analysis.ResultsPatients found Peek to be acceptable because of its benefits in overcoming the barriers to accessing ophthalmic services. Most thought it to be fast, convenient, and able to reach a large population. All patients expressed being satisfied with Peek. The HCPs perceived it to satisfy the criteria for usability and found Peek to be acceptable based on the technology acceptance model. Peek was also found to have features required for strengthening ophthalmic delivery by aiding detection and diagnosis, provision of decision support, improving communication between provider and patient and among providers, linking patients to services, monitoring, and assisting in education and training. Some of the deployment-related issues included the need for government and community involvement, communication and awareness creation, data protection, infrastructure development including capacity creation, and training and maintenance support.ConclusionsAccording to all parties interviewed, Peek is an acceptable solution, as it provides a beneficial service, supports patients' needs, and fulfills HCPs' roles, overall contributing to strengthening eye health.

Cataract surgical coverage rate among adults aged 40 years and older

Cataract is a leading cause of curable blindness. Hence, in its global declaration of ‘Vision 2020 Right to Sight’, the World Health Organization (WHO) encouraged its member countries to address the problem of incident cataract. Many factors are related to the cataract surgical coverage rate, such as gender and diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to determine the cataract surgical coverage rate and investigate the determinants factors of cataract surgical coverage rate among adults 40 years old and above with cataract. A cross sectional study was conducted using National Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) 2007 data. Cataract surgery was defined as surgery conducted within the last 12 months before the survey was performed. There were 6939 subjects (3105 male, 3834 female) who fulfilled the study criteria. The cataract surgical coverage rate was 19.3%. The cataract surgical coverage rate was lower in subjects with low education, in the group of farmers/fishermen/laborers, in the 40-49 years age group, in rural areas, and in subjects of low socioeconomic status (p&lt;0.05). The cataract surgical coverage rate was not different between gender and diabetes mellitus (p&gt;0.05). Determinants that were related to cataract surgical coverage rate were age, type of area of residence, socioeconomic status, and region of residence (p&lt;0.001). The implementation of educational programs and reforms to local ophthalmic health services may improve the cataract surgical coverage rate.

Direct ophthalmoscopy should be taught to undergraduate medical students-yes.

Direct ophthalmoscopy should be taught to undergraduate medical students-yes.

What we know about ocular manifestations of Ebola.

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a deadly disease caused by several species of ebolavirus. The current outbreak of 2014 is unique in that it has affected a greater number of people than ever before. It also has an unusual geographic distribution. Nonspecific findings such as fever and generalized weakness have traditionally been very common early in the acute phase. Ophthalmic manifestations have also been reported in significant numbers. Conjunctival injection has been identified in both the acute and late phases. Subconjunctival hemorrhage and excessive lacrimation have also been reported. Various forms of uveitis have been associated with the convalescent phase of the disease. When identified in conjunction with other signs such as fever, acute findings such as conjunctivitis may contribute to the diagnosis of Ebola hemorrhagic fever. Ideally, serologic testing should be performed prior to isolation and treatment of these individuals. Considering the prevalence of the current outbreak and the threat of transcontinental spread, ophthalmic health professionals need to be aware of the ocular manifestations of Ebola hemorrhagic fever as well as the associated signs and symptoms in order to prevent further spread.

Анализ удовлетворенности населения качеством оказания офтальмологической помощи государственными и частными учреждениями здравоохранения (на примере города Ставрополя)

Анализ удовлетворенности населения качеством оказания офтальмологической помощи государственными и частными учреждениями здравоохранения (на примере города Ставрополя)

Ophthalmological findings in a closed herd of Lipizzaners

There are no studies on the ophthalmic health status in the Lipizzaner breed. To perform an ophthalmological survey in a closed herd in 3 housing systems. All horses at the Federal Stud Piber, Heldenberg and the Spanish Riding School Vienna were subjected to ophthalmological examination. Findings were documented and correlated with factors such as age, gender, location and housing situation. The interrelation of abnormalities of different regions was determined by calculating accuracy. Pedigree analysis of horses affected by cataract was performed. A total of 267 horses met the inclusion criteria of this study. Of these, 172 horses were stabled in Piber, 72 in Vienna and 23 in Heldenberg. Ophthalmological examination revealed 203 cases with ocular findings, predominantly involving the conjunctiva (44.6%), cornea (21.7%) and fundus (37.5%). In 24 (8.9%) horses a diagnosis of cataract was made. There was no interrelation between different eye diseases. Horses stabled at Piber were significantly more affected by conjunctival and fundic abnormalities. Fewer abnormalities were found in horses stabled in open boxes. Access to free stalls resulted in more cases of conjunctivitis. Pedigree analysis showed no evidence of inbreeding as a cause of cataract formation. Acquired corneal abnormalities were over-represented in this study. This survey may serve as a basis for further research on the pathogenesis of ophthalmic diseases in Lipizzaners.

Projected prevalence of age‐related macular degeneration in Scandinavia 2012–2040

To project the number of persons with late age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Scandinavia through 2040. Age- and sex-specific prevalence rates of late AMD (choroidal neovascularization and geographic atrophy) from the European Eye Study and the Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group were applied to the projected Danish, Norwegian and Swedish population from 2012 to 2040. A total of 187 000 persons aged ≥65 years in Scandinavia are currently affected by late AMD: 47 000 in Denmark, 43 000 in Norway and 97 000 in Sweden. Owing to an ageing population, the number of persons affected by late AMD will increase 75% to 328 000 in 2040. The number of patients with late AMD in Scandinavia is expected to increase substantially over the next three decades, resulting in increased demand for ophthalmic health services.

Ocular Telehealth Screenings in an Urban Community

The current U.S. economic recession has resulted in a loss of income, housing, and healthcare coverage. Our major goal in this socioeconomic setting was to provide ophthalmic remote health screenings for urban soup kitchen and homeless populations in order to identify and refer undetected vision-threatening disease (VTD). We assessed visual acuity, blood pressure, pulse/oxygen saturation, body mass index, and intraocular pressure for 341 participants at soup kitchens as part of the homeless outreach program in Newark, NJ. History of diabetes, hypertension, and smoking, last ocular examination, and ocular history were noted. Imaging was performed with an 8.2 megapixel non-mydriatic retinal camera with high-speed Internet ready for off-site second opinion image evaluation. Positive VTD findings were identified in 105 participants (31%) (mean age, 53.6 years), of whom 78% were African American, 73% males, and 62% smokers. We detected glaucoma in 34 participants (32%), significant cataract in 22 (21%), diabetic retinopathy in 5 (5%), optic atrophy in 1 (1%), age-related macular degeneration in 1 (1%), and other retinal findings in 43 (41%). The incidence of VTDs was higher among this cohort than among study groups in previous screenings (31% vs. 12%). This finding shows an increase in ocular morbidity in a younger, at-risk population with elevated rates of hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. Functional visual impairment was 2.5 times higher than the national average (16% vs. 6.4%). Comprehensive, community-based screenings can provide more sensitive detection of VTDs in high-risk groups with low access to ophthalmic care and can be an integral part of recession solutions for improving healthcare.

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

Aim:To study the views of ophthalmologists on their attitude to and the resources for ophthalmic health research in Nigeria and draw appropriate policy implications.Materials and Methods: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.Results: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.Conclusions: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.

Ophthalmic practice health hazards among ophthalmologists in a resource–limited setting

Objective To determine ophthalmic practice health hazards among ophthalmologists in a resource-limited setting. Methods The study was conducted through a cross-sectional survey of 53 ophthalmologists' experiences on ophthalmic practice health hazards using semi-structured questionnaire. Results Most practitioners felt eye surgical procedures 40 (75.5%) and examination of eye patients (62.3%) were potentially hazardous to practitioners and, 49 (92.5%) thought clerking was not. Most, 92.5% had experienced patients' halitosis/cough during ophthalmoscopy and, 77.4% experienced hand smeared with patients' eye discharges/tears. Important health hazards experiences included, having contacted systemic diseases (5.7%) and infective eye diseases (18.9%), knife cut during surgical procedure (7.6%), needle pricks (49.1%) and hand smeared with patients' blood (49.1%). Others were neck pain at ophthalmoscopy (35.9%), blurred vision at retinoscopy (20.8%) and hoarseness while performing visual acuities (1.9%). Conclusions Eye practitioners are exposed to hazards in their practice including potentially life threatening ones. Necessary precautions at work, use of hazard free ophthalmic equipment and working conditions would reduce hazards in ophthalmic practice.