Keratoconus management at public sector facilities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Practitioner perspectives

Background: Keratoconus (KC) is a non-inflammatory, self-limiting corneal ectasia that causes reduced visual acuity and if left undiagnosed and/or untreated may lead to impairment. Optometrists remain the first point of contact for affected patients, making appropriate timeous care essential. Aim: To investigate keratoconus management in public sector KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Setting: Public eye facilities Methods: In quantitative, cross-sectional study, questionnaire was distributed optometrists employed by Department Health KwaZulu-Natal (DoH-KZN). Data on practitioner demographic profile clinical competence, facility attendance statistics, resources available KC protocols were collected. Results: The response rate 36 (71%). optometrists’ mean age 30.19 ± 4.53 years, 80% them had work experience less than 10 years. majority health (63.9%) reported monthly 51–300 and, these, 72% respondents seeing only between 1 keratoconic patients. A lack equipment fitting lenses being disallowed DoH-KZN cited (61%) as reason routinely referring patients private practice. Conclusion: This study highlights deficiency minimum standard optometric KZN, primarily because resources. It recommended at all levels system be reviewed improve quality service