PERCEPTION AND ANXIETY OF INDIAN OPTOMETRY PRACTITIONER DURING COVID-19

  • Unique Paper ID: 168722
  • PageNo: 1831-1838
  • Abstract:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, including optometry practice in India. This study explores the perceptions and anxiety levels of Indian optometry practitioners during the pandemic, particularly in relation to their professional responsibilities and safety concerns. The nationwide lockdown, imposed to limit the virus's spread, forced many optometrists to suspend non-essential services, leading to uncertainty regarding patient care, business operations, and infection control. A survey was conducted to assess the impact of these changes on optometrists' mental well-being, their shift to teleconsultation, and their adaptation to new safety protocols. The findings revealed that many practitioners were anxious about contracting the virus during face-to-face consultations, with some turning to telehealth to continue providing care. Additionally, optometrists expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of their practices and the challenges of post-pandemic recovery. This study underscores the need for clear guidelines and mental health support for optometry professionals as they navigate the challenges of the pandemic.

Copyright & License

Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BibTeX

@article{168722,
        author = {Mr.Dayashankar Rastogi and Ms.Reshu Yadav},
        title = {PERCEPTION AND ANXIETY OF INDIAN OPTOMETRY PRACTITIONER DURING COVID-19},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2024},
        volume = {11},
        number = {5},
        pages = {1831-1838},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=168722},
        abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, including optometry practice in India. This study explores the perceptions and anxiety levels of Indian optometry practitioners during the pandemic, particularly in relation to their professional responsibilities and safety concerns. The nationwide lockdown, imposed to limit the virus's spread, forced many optometrists to suspend non-essential services, leading to uncertainty regarding patient care, business operations, and infection control. A survey was conducted to assess the impact of these changes on optometrists' mental well-being, their shift to teleconsultation, and their adaptation to new safety protocols. The findings revealed that many practitioners were anxious about contracting the virus during face-to-face consultations, with some turning to telehealth to continue providing care. Additionally, optometrists expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of their practices and the challenges of post-pandemic recovery. This study underscores the need for clear guidelines and mental health support for optometry professionals as they navigate the challenges of the pandemic.},
        keywords = {1.	COVID-19: The global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, impacting healthcare systems, businesses, and daily life. 2.	Optometry Practice: The clinical field dedicated to eye care, vision correction, and eye health management, which faced significant changes due to the pandemic. 3.	Online Education: The transition from traditional in-person learning to virtual platforms for teaching and learning, especially for academic institutions and professional training programs like optometry. 4.	Introduction: A general overview of the topic, outlining how the pandemic influenced optometry, education, and healthcare systems. 5.	Methods: The strategies or approaches used in research to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on optometric services and education, such as surveys or case studies. 6.	Results: The findings or outcomes derived from the research, detailing how optometry practices and educational methods adapted to the challenges of the pandemic. 7.	Academic Practice: The professional training and education within the optometry field, which shifted significantly due to the need for remote learning. 8.	Lockdown: Challenges & Current Scenario: The obstacles faced by optometrists and clinics during lockdown, including business disruptions, patient care limitations, and how the current landscape reflects ongoing adaptations. 9.	Prevention at Primary Eye Care Setting: The safety and hygiene measures introduced in optometry clinics to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, such as the use of PPE, patient screening, and social distancing. 10.	Teleconsultation: The practice of offering eye care services remotely via digital platforms, which grew in prominence during the pandemic to maintain patient care without in-person visits. 11.	Business Interruption and Recovery: The financial and operational setbacks experienced by optometry practices due to the pandemic, and the strategies implemented to recover and resume services. 12.	Conclusion: A summary reflecting on how the pandemic has reshaped optometry practice, education, and healthcare delivery, with an eye toward future trends and innovations.},
        month = {October},
        }

Cite This Article

Rastogi, M., & Yadav, M. (2024). PERCEPTION AND ANXIETY OF INDIAN OPTOMETRY PRACTITIONER DURING COVID-19. International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology (IJIRT), 11(5), 1831–1838.

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