The Important Role of Optometrists in Eye Care Services in Primary Health Care Centers in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and Aim: Optometrists play a critical role in delivering primary eye care worldwide. This study evaluates the availability, utilization, and impact of optometry services within primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Saudi Arabia, focusing on their contributions to patient care and the healthcare system.
Methodology: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted across 10 PHCs in four regions of Saudi Arabia. Data on workforce distribution, the number of cases managed, referral rates, and available equipment were collected via surveys and analyzed.
Results: Among the 2,120 PHCs in Saudi Arabia, only 10 centers (0.47%) provided optometry services, staffed by a total of 11 optometrists and 3 opticians. These centers managed 36,849 eye care cases in 2022, with 10,526 (28.57%) referred to secondary care for further management. The referral rates varied significantly across the PHCs, ranging from 0% at Al-Fayhaa PHC in Riyadh, which handled all cases in-house, to 46.35% at Al-Safra PHC in Al-Qassim, which relied heavily on secondary care. Regional disparities in service utilization were also evident, with the Eastern Province managing the highest number of treated cases (13,078), while Al-Qassim recorded the lowest (1,754). The analysis revealed that refractive errors (36%), cataracts (29.1%), and diabetic retinopathy (20.9%) were the most common conditions managed by optometrists.
Conclusion: Optometrists significantly contribute to primary eye care in Saudi Arabia, reducing the burden on secondary care and enhancing access to eye services. However, the limited availability of optometry services necessitates targeted interventions, including increasing workforce capacity, expanding service coverage, and raising public awareness about the importance of routine eye care.