Knowledge, experience and practices of optometrists in Uganda about keratoconus

Background: Keratoconus has a global prevalence of 0.2 to 4790 per 100 000 persons and there is currently no published report about its incidence, prevalence or the role of optometrists in its management in Uganda. This study looked at the role of optometrists in the diagnosis, management and referral of patients with keratoconus in Uganda. Aim: To determine the knowledge, experiences and practices of optometrists in the management of keratoconus in Uganda. Setting: This study was conducted in Uganda. Methods: Fifteen optometrists who had practiced for at least one year were recruited into the study, which was conducted in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonisation Tripartite Guideline for Good Clinical Practice. The study involved interviews that were conducted over zoom and telephones, which were considered for participants who had internet challenges. The sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and themes were derived. Results: The median number of years of experience was 7 years. The participants’ experiences were reported in terms of diagnosis, management and referral of patients with keratoconus and common themes were explored. Retinoscopy and Munson’s sign were the most common diagnostic methods while spectacles were the most common management option used by the optometrists. Conclusion: Most optometrists relied on retinoscopy for diagnosis and spectacles for the management of keratoconus because of the lack of diagnostic equipment and challenges associated with contact lens practice in Uganda. Contribution: This is the first study to explore how keratoconus is managed by optometrists in Uganda and the results can be used to improve patient care in the country.