A SURVEY ON EYE EXAMINATION AND EYE WEAR EXPERIENCE FROM LAYMAN PERSPECTIVE IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

Introduction: A successful practitioner-client experience is vital for optimal eye care outcomes. Previous research mainly highlighted the optometry service or facilities from the practitioner perspectives. Information on the eye examination and eye wear experience from layman perspective in Malaysia is scarce. Aim: The aim of the study was to gather information of the eye examination and eye wear experience from the client perspective. Methodology: The findings reported in this paper derive from an interview study conducted with a sample of 408 respondents from 12 states and 3 federal territories in Malaysia. Results: In the overall eye test experience, 39% narrated positive feeling, and 35% described as neutral feeling. Only a small percentage testified as negative experience (5%). Approximately 21% stated a mixed experience of both positive and negative feelings. Nearly half (49%) of respondents did not know who tested their eyes. Majority believed that vision could affect their quality of life (71%). Five most frequent complaint about eyewear were physical limitation of spectacle, inconvenience of misplace, sensation discomfort of pressure on face surface, visual adaptation challenges and cost issue. Majority to expect improvement in service (39.71%), better instruction (22.55%), shorter duration (14.22%), reduction in total test (12.75%). Conclusion: The information from this survey will help eye care practitioners to understand the client experience and needs to improve the eyecare services.