Dr. Soumya Sharat, S12439
Purpose:To evaluate attitudes&problems faced by spectacle-wearers;to effect positive change when necessary.
Materials:Cross-sectional survey of spectacle wearers aged >18 years,over period of 8 months,in Ophthal OPD.Each participant was using spectacles for atleast6mnths;interviewed-questionnaire- demographics,challenges,attitudes,practices on use of spectacles.
Results:Total of 220wearers-56.8%males,43.2%females.Majority(80%)had secondary education.Wearers’ challenges-expensive spectacles(35.90%),scratched/broken lenses(27.27%),fear that spectacles would damage eyes.Wearers’ attitude towards selecting frames-72.27%wearers themselves selected frames.Maintenance practices-use of lens cleaners in53.63%,handkerchief/tissue paper in29.54%.69.54%wearers placed spectacles in cases.No association between gender/literacy levels&who selected the frames for subjects,cleaning materials for spectacles,but it influenced placement in cases.
Conclusion:Cost of specs to be regulated,wearers counseled.