The Important Role of Optometrist and Qualified Nursing in Primary Healthcare for Eye Care

Abstract

The use of evidence-based practice is essential for delivering high-quality care, ensuring patient satisfaction, and making efficient use of limited healthcare resources. Nevertheless, there have been reports of inconsistency in the administration of evidence-based eye care. To enhance our comprehension of the obstacles and enablers to delivering optometric care, it is necessary to recognize the significant role that optometrists play in providing primary eye care. This narrative study sought to identify the provision of eye care services by optometrists and measures that could enhance the delivery of eye care in primary care settings, alongside certified nursing. In the field of optometry, similar to other healthcare professions like nursing, there has been a broadening of the optometrist's responsibilities in primary eye care. This includes taking on tasks such as prescription medication, which was previously done by general practitioners. Within the field of optometry, this expanded responsibility entails overseeing eye diseases that do not necessitate treatment or monitoring in secondary healthcare settings, which were historically referred to. Nevertheless, any expanded responsibility necessitates educational assistance.