ANALYSIS OF INSTRUMENTS FOR ASSESSING AWARENESS OF GLAUCOMA AMONG OPHTHALMOLOGISTS
(LITERATURE REVIEW)
A.B. Imankulov1, A.K. Uristemova1, T.B. Boranbay1, M.G. Konysbayev1, S.B.Kalmakhanov1, M.N. Zhakupova2,
M.A. Tyan2, N.M. Urazalina3, M.K. Bapayeva4, K.M. Faizullina5
1Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
2Kazakh National Medical University named after S. D. Asfendiyarov
3 Semey Medical University
4Kazakhstan Medical University » School of Public Health»
5S.Kairbekova National research center for Health Development
Introduction. Glaucoma is a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, progressing silently and often
diagnosed at advanced stages. While state-sponsored screening programs in Kazakhstan have improved early
detection, the overall awareness and clinical vigilance among healthcare providers—particularly
ophthalmologists—remains inconsistent. Understanding and improving their awareness is critical for timely
intervention and prevention of visual impairment. Aim. This literature review aims to critically analyze tools and
methodologies used to assess glaucoma awareness and knowledge among healthcare professionals. It identifies
strengths and limitations in current instruments to support the development of standardized tools for evaluating
professional readiness in glaucoma care.
Methods. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect for studies
published between 2015 and 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed English-language articles
assessing glaucoma awareness among ophthalmologists and other eye care professionals using validated or
structured instruments.
Results:
The review identified a range of assessment tools, primarily structured self-administered questionnaires,
covering areas such as knowledge of glaucoma risk factors, diagnosis, management, and referral practices.
Several instruments were rigorously validated and adapted to specific clinical contexts, while others lacked
sufficient methodological detail or cultural sensitivity. Notably, few tools were designed to assess awareness in
complex clinical scenarios such as coexisting glaucoma and cataract.
Discussion:
Validated questionnaires are essential tools for evaluating glaucoma-related knowledge and practice patterns.
However, their reliability and applicability vary depending on design quality and the extent of cultural
adaptation. The literature emphasizes the need for multidimensional, context-specific instruments, supported by
pilot testing and expert review. Awareness levels differ significantly across provider groups, highlighting the
necessity for tailored educational approaches.
Conclusion:
There is a critical gap in validated assessment tools tailored to ophthalmologists, particularly in cases involving
comorbid cataract. Developing comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and clinically relevant instruments will
facilitate better identification of knowledge gaps, enhance early detection of glaucoma, and improve patient care
outcomes.
Keywords:
glaucoma awareness, ophthalmologists, knowledge assessment, structured questionnaire, instrument validation,
eye care professionals, literature review
