The Experience of Managers of Private Optometry Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria.

Abstract

Purpose: To provide an in-depth understanding of the experience of managers of private optometry practice in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: The study adopted a qualitative research design with a phenomenological research strategy. Through semi-structured interviews, the experiences of six managers of private optometry practice in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic were studied and thematically analysed.Results: Data collected through the interviews identified interesting themes and sub-themes. ‘Impact of COVID-19’ emerged as a central theme, while ‘workplace safety’, ‘reduced income’, ‘digital integration’, ‘supply chain and staffing issues’ emerged as sub-themes. The result shows that the participants faced challenges such as the cost of maintaining a safe working space, reduced income, supply chain and staffing issues. The need for digital integration in private optometry practice, versatile staff, and the diversification of supplier networks emerged as key strategies to overcoming the challenges.Conclusion: Managers of private optometry practice have been faced with some challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study has identified strategies that can help minimise the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other future crises.