Clinical Training of African Optometrists: An Indian Experience

Background: In view of the continuous expansion of the scope of optometry, there is the need for further study and specialization. A fellowship in Clinical Optometry is designed to refine and master clinical skills in different specialty areas. Aim: The aim of this case report series was to assess the learning experience, benefits and challenges of African optometrists who underwent clinical optometry fellowship training in India.

Methods: A descriptive and qualitative questionnaire was used to assess the learning experience of seven African Optometrists who underwent a long-term fellowship program in India until 2017 was studied. The analysis was done using Windows 7, Microsoft Excel. Results: The mean age of participants was 31 years (71.4% male). The qualification prior to the clinical fellowship was Bachelor of Science in Optometry (14%), Doctor of Optometry (71.4%) and master in Clinical Optometry (14%). The areas of fellowship training for the participants included Comprehensive Optometry, Cornea and Anterior Segment, Posterior Segment and Pediatric Optometry. All (100%) of the participants found the skills useful post fellowship as well as the academic activities during the training. However, stressful working hours and environmental challenges were common.

Conclusion: The fellowship training was useful to the African optometrists in terms of skills acquisition and management of patients. Despite these benefits the participants experienced challenges ranging from language barrier and funding to working hours and cultural differences.