The Contribution of Optometrists to Preventive Eye Health Care in Indonesia

Murni Marlina Simarmata; Febri Maryani; Stepanus  Silaban

doi:10.33096/woh.vi.3146

Murni Marlina Simarmata Academy of Refractive Optics and Optometry Gapopin Jakarta, Indonesia
Febri Maryani Academy of Refractive Optics and Optometry Gapopin Jakarta, Indonesia
Stepanus Silaban Academy of Refractive Optics and Optometry Gapopin Jakarta, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33096/woh.vi.3146

Keywords: optometry, preventive eye care, visual impairment, mixed methods research, primary eye care, health systems

Abstract

Optometrists have an important role in preventive eye health through refractive error screening, early detection, and community education. However, evidence regarding their contribution to preventive eye health care in Indonesia remains limited. This study aimed to examine the association between optometrists’ contributions and preventive eye health care in Indonesia. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 97 optometrists in Indonesia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression with SPSS version 20. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Most respondents were aged 31–45 years (55.7%), had a Diploma III qualification (74.2%), had 0–5 years of practice experience (47.4%), and worked in optical practices (72.2%). The highest positive responses concerned refractive error screening (87.5%) and community eye health education (86.5%). A strong positive association was found between optometrists’ contribution and preventive eye health care (r = 0.919, p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed a significant positive association (B = 0.963, β = 0.919, p < 0.001), with the model accounting for 84.5% of the variance in the measured preventive eye health care score. Optometrists’ contribution was strongly associated with preventive eye health care. Strengthening competencies, interprofessional collaboration, referral systems, and integration into primary and community eye-care services is recommended.

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