Awareness and knowledge of glaucoma among hospital personnel in a tertiary care center in rural Karnataka

Purpose: To evaluate the awareness and knowledge of Glaucoma among hospital personnel. Methods: A Crosssectional study was conducted in the hospital consisting of medical and non-medical staff excluding those who have already undergone treatment for Glaucoma. After taking an informed consent, a self-designed questionnaire was administered. Results: 513 people participated in the study with mean age of participants being 34.36+/-5.686 year. Although 95% were aware of Glaucoma, the awareness of causes and treatment of Glaucoma were high only among the clinicians (88%) & very poor (28%) among nursing & administrative staff. 41% were aware that glaucoma can lead to blindness. Conclusion: The study revealed unsatisfactory knowledge concerning glaucoma among health personnel. This alarming revelation warrants the need for enrichment of glaucoma awareness programs.