Finnish optometrists' competence to recognize, assess, and manage trochlear nerve palsy: A cross-sectional study

To investigate both Finnish optometrists' self-assessed competence in trochlear nerve palsy care and needs for development.

A total of 196 Finnish optometrists or opticians participated in the study. The data were collected during April-May 2024 using an online questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods.

The Finnish optometrists and opticians rated their total competence in trochlear nerve palsy as moderate (mean 2.05 ± SD 0.53) using a Likert scale ranging from 1(poor) to 4 (excellent). Taking an anamnesis received the highest rating (mean 2.65 ± 0.61) among the subareas of competencies, while knowing test methods was perceived as the weakest subarea (mean 1.58 ± 0.51). The results indicate that educational level (all p ≤ 0.003, except management), working place (all p ≤ 0.005), additional training (all p ≤ 0.001), cooperation with ophthalmologists (all p ≤ 0.029, except assessment/test methods), and available time (all p ≤ 0.031, except test methods) had a statistically significant difference compared to the responders' self-assessed competence in almost all subareas of competencies. A master's degree was associated with higher competence and showed a significant difference compared with a bachelor's degree or college-level opticians (both p < 0.001).

The results underscore the significance of continuous competence development and higher education in trochlear nerve palsy care. With additional training, recognizing and examining ocular nerve palsies would become easier and more familiar, lowering the threshold for examining ocular nerve damage or reacting to it. This first study on optometrists' competencies in Finland can help identify clinical competencies and target educational resources.