Reporting Patterns and Compliance in Ocular Pharmacovigilance: Insights from Ophthalmologists

Background Pharmacovigilance is crucial for ensuring drug safety, particularly in ophthalmology, where adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can significantly impact patient care. However, ocular ADRs are underreported, necessitating an understanding of ophthalmologists' awareness, practices, and barriers to ADR reporting.PurpooseTo evaluate awareness, reporting patterns, and compliance with ADR reporting systems among ophthalmologists, and identify barriers and facilitators influencing their practices.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among ophthalmologists working in tertiary care and private settings. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire addressing demographic details, knowledge of pharmacovigilance, ADR reporting frequency and methods, and perceived obstacles to reporting. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis.ResultsAmong participants, 72% were aware of pharmacovigilance, but only 38% actively reported ADRs. Commonly reported ocular ADRs included allergic conjunctivitis, steroid-induced glaucoma, and ocular surface toxicity from topical medications. Barriers to reporting included lack of time (42%), insufficient knowledge of reporting procedures (35%), and absence of institutional support (18%). However, 65% of respondents expressed willingness to report ADRs if provided with training and simplified tools. Conclusion A significant gap exists between awareness and active ADR reporting among ophthalmologists. Addressing barriers through training programs, user-friendly reporting systems, and institutional support can enhance compliance and strengthen pharmacovigilance in ophthalmology. Integrating pharmacovigilance training into medical education and promoting a culture of safety reporting are essential to improving drug safety surveillance in this specialized field