Background: Exposure to light has been identified as an important factor in the control of eye growth and the development of refractive error. Aim: The aim of this article is to examine the short-term impact of natural daylight exposure on choroidal thickness (ChT). Setting: The study was conducted at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. Methods: In this prospective study, 60 healthy emmetropic adults aged 19 years – 26 years completed comprehensive eye examinations. Choroidal thickness was measured using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography with radial scans across macular regions. Two experimental sessions were conducted under indoor illumination (200 lux) and another involving 1 h of outdoor daylight exposure (~20 060 lux). Baseline indoor Optical Coherence Tomography scans were collected, followed by post-exposure scans obtained after 1 h of either indoor or outdoor light conditions. General linear model-repeated measure was used to examine ChT changes across light conditions and macular regions. Results: Across all macular regions, no statistically significant differences were found between baseline and post-exposure measurements (all p > 0.05), except in the inner temporal macular region (p = 0.046). Baseline subfoveal ChT was similar between sessions (297 μm ± 69 μm indoors; 298 μm ± 67 μm outdoors), with no changes after 1 h in both light conditions. Conclusion: The results showed that natural daylight exposure for 1 h produced no measurable changes in ChT under the conditions of this study, with all variations considered within normal diurnal fluctuations. Future research should consider factors that influence ocular responses, including diurnal variations in ChT and the characterisation of choroidal responses to light exposure. Contribution: This study provides evidence that the human choroid shows limited short-term responsiveness to light exposure, with all variations considered within normal diurnal fluctuations.
Background: Effective communication is central to optometric care; however, structured training in delivering complex or emotionally sensitive information remains limited within undergraduate optometry programmes, particularly in comparison with other healthcare disciplines. Aim: This study explored registered optometrists’ perceptions of communication skills training and their self-reported communication competence within undergraduate optometry education in South Africa. Setting: The study was conducted in South Africa amongst registered optometrists working across diverse clinical settings. Methods: A cross-sectional electronic questionnaire was distributed to registered South African optometrists. The instrument included closed- and open-ended items related to communication training exposure, self-assessed communication ability and perceived challenges. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses were thematically analysed. Results: Despite limited formal undergraduate training, most respondents rated their communication positively, with 41.2% rating themselves as good and 38.8% as excellent, while only 1.2% rated themselves as novice. Training was inconsistent: 54.9% reported seldom receiving explicit training on consultation communication, while only 15.2% reported always receiving such training. Empathy was emphasised, with 85.4% agreeing that understanding the patient’s perspective is essential. Language and cultural diversity were recognised as inherent to practice, with 42.8% rating themselves as good and 16.8% as excellent at navigating these differences. Conclusion: The findings reveal a mismatch between optometrists’ high self-reported communication confidence and limited formal undergraduate training. Contribution: The results underscore the need for structured, intentional education in communication skills within optometry curricula to align training with the demands of contemporary clinical practice.
Background: Effective communication is a core component of quality healthcare, influencing patient satisfaction, treatment adherence and health outcomes. The global shift toward patient-centred care, health equity and interprofessional collaboration has further elevated communication as a critical skill. However, in optometry education, formal structured communication training remains limited. Aim: This narrative review synthesis the existing literature to support the development of an evidence-based, standardised framework that promotes communication competence among undergraduate optometry students across diverse clinical contexts. Method: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate, CINAHL with Full Text and Scopus. A keyword-based search strategy employed Boolean operators and truncation (e.g., communicat*, undergrad*, optom*, train*) to capture variations in terminology across disciplines. The search covered the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2024. Results: In total, 1053 records were retrieved and 412 duplicates removed. The remaining 641 titles and abstracts were screened, with 30 studies meeting the full-text inclusion criteria. Conclusion: The review highlights that structured communication skills training, particularly when supported by feedback, simulation interactions and reflective learning, can enhance clinical preparedness and professional confidence. However, the effectiveness of these interventions is influenced by factors such as student characteristics, resources and learning objectives. Contribution: Although several strategies show promise, there remains a need for longitudinal research to assess the long-term effects of communication skills training interventions. Establishing a structured, context-sensitive framework is essential to address current gaps and support optometry students in developing the communication skills required for effective, patient-centred practice.
Background: Glaucoma is a progressive, vision-threatening condition that can be managed with topical treatments initially but often eventually requires surgical management. Aim: This study aimed to review the efficacy and safety of the first gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) operations in Rwanda. This is a retrospective case series. Setting: Out of 260 consecutive surgical records dated between 01 January 2023 and 28 August 2023, 11 eyes that had undergone GATT procedures were identified and included in this study. These were the first patients to undergo GATT in Rwanda. Methods: All available pre-operative, operative and post-operative data were collected and reported for visits through 01 February 2024. Cases were classified as either a success, a qualified success or a failure based on pre-determined criteria. Outcomes included post-operative intraocular pressure (IOP) at multiple time points, the number of glaucoma medications needed post-GATT, the number of glaucoma surgeries post-GATT, visual acuity and post-operative complications. Results: Patients had an average IOP decrease of 13 mmHg (standard deviation = 6.8) at 3 months post-operation compared with pre-operation IOP on medical treatment. Eight eyes (73%) achieved complete success, two eyes (18%) achieved qualified success and one eye met failure criteria (9%). No patients had a decline in visual acuity at the last visit after receiving GATT. Two cases of IOP spike (18%) were noted (both resolved within 1-week post-operation), two cases of hyphema (18%) and one case each of mild corneal oedema (9%) and a small Descemet detachment (9%). Conclusion: Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy is a useful tool in the arsenal of pressure-reducing treatments with unique utility in lower-resource settings. Contribution: This retrospective analysis of the first 11 cases of GATT in Rwanda demonstrates GATT as a safe and feasible tool for the treatment of glaucoma, with specific utility in lower-resource settings.
Background: Community health workers (CHWs) play a crucial role in health promotion, particularly in rural areas. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication that can be prevented through timely screening. CHWs could assist in referring patients for DR screening, thereby reducing the burden of DR-associated vision loss. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of DR among CHWs. Setting: The study was conducted at 10 primary healthcare clinics in Maruleng sub-district, Limpopo. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among CHWs using a self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge was assessed using yes or no questions, attitudes were assessed using a five-point Likert scale, and one question was used to assess practice. Scores above the median were considered good knowledge and positive attitudes. Results: A total of 131 CHWs completed questionnaires. Over half (n = 76, 58%) of CHWs had not received training on DR. Just under two-thirds (n = 82, 62.6%) had good knowledge and were aware of several risk factors of DR. A similar proportion (n = 80, 61.1%) showed positive attitudes towards DR screening and referrals. Most CHWs (n = 113, 86.3%) reported referring patients for DR screening. Good knowledge was associated with positive attitudes and referral of patients for DR screening. Conclusion: Although many CHWs have good knowledge and attitudes towards DR, there were important gaps that can be addressed to increase the referral of patients for DR screening and enhance health promotion activities of CHWs. Contribution: The results of this study provide valuable information that can be used to develop training on DR specifically for CHWs to increase DR screening and preserve the vision of diabetic patients.
