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Patient tobacco use in optometric practice: a Canada-wide study
Ryan David Kennedy1, Marlee M Spafford, Ornell Douglas
1*PhD †OD, PhD ‡MPH §OD, MSc ∥RN, PhD Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Institute for Global Tobacco Control, Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Baltimore, Maryland (RDK); Propel Centre for Population Health Impact (RDK, OD), University of Waterloo Schools of Optometry and Vision Science (MMS) and Public Health and Health Systems (DH), Department of Psychology (GTF), Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science (MET), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; École d'optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada (JB); School of Public Health and Health Systems, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (DH); Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (GTF); and Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (ASHS).
Canadian optometrists recognize smoking's link to eye disease but rarely discuss tobacco cessation. Enhanced continuing education and resources are needed to improve patient counseling on smoking risks and quitting strategies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Public Health
- Tobacco Cessation Research
Background:
- Smoking is a significant risk factor for various ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration.
- Optometrists play a crucial role in patient education regarding health risks associated with tobacco use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Canadian optometrists' knowledge of smoking-related eye diseases.
- To evaluate current practices in addressing tobacco use (prevention and cessation) with patients.
- To identify tools that could assist optometrists in tobacco cessation counseling.
Main Methods:
- A national online survey was distributed to 4528 registered optometrists in Canada.
- The survey was bilingual (English/French) and collected data on knowledge, behaviors, and perceived needs.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with discussing tobacco use prevention and cessation.
Main Results:
- A 19% response rate (850 optometrists) was achieved.
- Nearly all optometrists (98%) acknowledged smoking as an age-related macular degeneration risk factor.
- Only 55% assessed patient smoking status, 7% discussed prevention with young patients, and 33% regularly assessed quit interest.
- English-speaking respondents and female respondents were more likely to engage in tobacco cessation discussions.
Conclusions:
- Optometrists possess awareness of smoking's ocular health impacts but lack systematic engagement in prevention and cessation practices.
- Continuing education programs and practical tools are recommended to enhance optometrists' ability to counsel patients on tobacco risks and cessation.
- Improved patient counseling by optometrists can contribute to better public health outcomes by reducing tobacco-related eye disease burden.
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