While the model is still in a developmental state and resourcing challenges potentially affecting DCT are noted, early experiences of the Discipline of Optometry at the UKZN are that DCT shows promise in terms of its potential contribution towards the development of eye health services within the public health sector from graduate readiness, resource strengthening, access improvement and health service development perspectives.

Background: Contact lens usage is becoming increasingly popular amongst young people. Assessing their knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to contact lens wear is therefore important, so that gaps in understanding or incorrect practices can be rectified to promote continued safety and success of contact lens wear. Objectives: This study aimed to assess and describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of contact lens wearers aged 18 to 30 years, in the greater Durban area of South Africa. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of the participants. Results: Two hundred and forty six participants completed the survey. Young contact lens wearers in this sample generally had poor knowledge with regards to appropriate hygiene and contact lens wear complications. Despite wearers exhibiting a positive attitude with satisfactory hand hygiene and lens cleaning practices, important aspects such as lens case hygiene, storage and lens removal practices were found to be unsatisfactory. Compliance with after-care visits was also unsatisfactory. Conclusion: There is a need for contact lens practitioners to educate young contact lens wearers regarding appropriate contact lens-related care, to promote long term ocular health and contact lens-related safety. Keywords: Contact lens use; adolescent population; South Africa.

Background The increase in online learning during the pandemic has been linked to various ocular complaints. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with ocular complaints among schoolchildren aged 12–19 years during the COVID-19 lockdown in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2021, during the COVID-19 lockdown in T&T among secondary school students studying remotely. A two-stage cluster sampling method was employed. A modified web-based Computer Vision Syndrome questionnaire was administered to students. Data on demography, duration of digital device use, and ocular complaints were collected, and multilevel logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with ocular complaints among school children, 12–19 years of age in T&T. Results A total of 435 schoolchildren (mean age, standard deviation, 15.2 ± 1.9 years range 12–19 years) responded to the questionnaire. The prevalence of self-reported symptoms of headache, blurred vision, dry eyes, itchy eyes, and double vision were 75.0%, 65.1%; 56.8%; 46.4%; and 33.5%, respectively. Schoolchildren aged 18–19 years, those that used spectacles for correction of their refractive errors, and spent more than 6 h on average on digital devices, reported a high prevalence of any ocular complaints. Analysis also revealed that age (14–15 years) was associated with dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches, while gender (more prevalently females) was associated with blurred vision and headache. Those that had an eye examination in the last year and schoolchildren that took action to resolve ocular complaints were more likely to experience nearly all ocular complaints. Conclusions During the COVID-19 lockdown, over three in four students in T&T reported ocular complaints from digital devices for online learning. Tailored interventional messages to reduce all forms of ocular complaints should target older students, particularly females, those who laid down when learning online via their devices and people who regularly examine their eyes.

Background: Colour vision tests are becoming increasingly available on online platforms to the ordinary internet user. Limited research has been conducted to establish the validity of these tests for use as screening tools for colour deficiency.Aim: To compare the validity of an online version of the Ishihara colour vision test (OV-PSI) with the traditional Ishihara handbook (PSI).Setting: This study was conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s optometry clinic in Durban, South Africa, in 2014.Methodology: One hundred and twenty participants (N = 120), between the ages of 18 and 25 years who visited the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s eye clinic between June and August 2014, were recruited to the study. Colour vision testing was administered using the Ishihara 38 plate test and the ColBlindor Ishihara 38 plate colour vision test available online. Both tests were administered on normal sighted university student participants under standardised conditions, and responses were captured on Ishihara recording sheets. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 21.Results: Of the 120 participants, 47.5% were men and 52.5% were women with a mean age of 20.64 ± 2.09 years. Results demonstrated that 5.3% of men (N = 3) were colour deficient, resulting in a prevalence of colour deficiency for the sampled population of 2.5%. Results of the two testing methods were compared, revealing sensitivities and specificities for both tests of 100%. However, while the online test correctly discriminated colour deficient participants from colour normal participants, it was unable to correctly identify the severity or type of deficiency.Conclusion: The online version of the Ishihara test used in this study proved a valid screening tool for colour vision deficiency. It presents the opportunity for self-screening via convenient online platforms. However, if colour deficiency is detected using this online tool, it is recommended that further clinical investigation be undertaken for a more accurate diagnosis of the extent of colour vision deficiency.

Setting: All health disctrict in KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: An explorative-descriptive cross-sectional design, gathering both quantitative and qualitative data, was used. Data were collected utilising questionnaires, observation, and interviews. Results were analysed against the health systems framework.Results: A total of 28 optometrists responded to the survey, representing 60% of public health facilities that provide eye health care in KZN. The majority (53.6%) of optometrists were from district hospitals in rural areas. Facilities were generally inadequately equipped, with inefficiencies in service delivery including long waiting times and multi-tasking of clinicians. The absence of a financing model impacted the service at all levels. Conclusion:Policy development for eye health is necessary for KZN to deliver comprehensive eye health services. In particular, emphasis should be placed on the integration of eye health into primary health care and appropriate planning to foster accessibility and sustainability of services.