The types of clinical services provided by the optometrist in Selangor / Norhaslinda Noordin

Purpose: The actual clinical services provided by optometrist were not many reported. This is important so that we can improve optometry services for people at risk of preventable sight loss and avoid misdiagnose eye problem among Malaysian due to improper management for specific eye condition. This survey focuses on the types of clinical services provided by optometrists in Selangor as well as to review sociodemographic data, current work pattern and employment status. Methods: Under quantitative study design, survey data were analyzed using running frequencies and cross tabulations. Results: Those majorities responded optometrists in Selangor were Malay which contributed the highest percentage, 65.2%. Majority of optometrists surveyed (185) were from Petaling district which represented 63.8%of total district involved. The majority of optometrists in Selangor were female 69% and age range was between 20-years old to 35 years old. From 89 respondents, 33 out of 75 had Degree certificate and were worked in private sector including those worked in private, own premise or work for premise. 83.1%> of the respondents preferred to refer their customer or patient to hospital if warranted and preferable hospital would be either private or government hospital. Analysis of the total hours worked per day showed that most of the respondents (46.1%) worked 12 hours per day. Majority of the respondents (96.6%) were full time optometrists while only 3.4% were part time optometrists and 88.8% were salaried optometrists. Almost all of optometrists (88/89) did refraction as their clinical service provided. 94.4% of respondents did consultation to their customer or patient. As for screening services, the data reported that cataract screening had the highest percentage 61.8% compared to glaucoma screening which results had significantly different in percentage (53.9%) and 52.8%). Majority of the respondents (91%) conducted Contact Lens clinic at their workplace. Rehabilitation clinic stated the lowest percentage (37.P/o) among all specialized clinic provided. Conclusion: There was a pattern distribution of socio demographic characteristic of optometrists in Selangor. All clinical services are provided by the optometrists in Selangor. However the clinical services provided are based on the accessibility of the devices and setting of the workplace. The prominent challenge to the optometrists was the lack of clinical services provided in shop/retail practices. Further study is suggested to identify the alternative that can improve the clinical services provided by the optometrists and the factors that contributed to this problem.