Identification of organizational issues during initial medical care for patients with glaucoma

Glaucoma remains one of the most challenging issues in contemporary ophthalmology. The significant spread of the disease among the population, difficulties in early diagnosis, and unfavorable prognosis are the key factors in the increased attention to glaucoma by scientists and doctors. It is a well-known fact that the preservation of visual function in glaucoma depends on early disease detection in the preclinical stage and on the patient's adherence to therapy and competent follow-up. A study was conducted to investigate and identify the challenges faced by primary care ophthalmologists in the screening and follow-up of patients with a confirmed primary open angle glaucoma. As part of the research, an anonymous questionnaire was given to 66 ophthalmologists of initial health care in Aktobe. The questionnaire had three blocks: the first block-was the introductory part, which had a short explanation of the research topic; the second block included a block of questions aimed to get information about the respondent (territorial place of work, experience of work, type of medical institution); third block contained the main question about the disease. All data obtained through questionnaires were processed and analyzed using STATISTICA 12 software. The data of the analysis helped to identify and justify the options to improve the dynamic monitoring of patients with glaucoma. The data obtained in the research made it possible to identify several existing problems at different stages of ophthalmic medical care, which will allow the development of organizational measures aimed at improving the quality of screening programs for glaucoma.