Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization estimates that there are 285 million people affected by visual impairment worldwide. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched the 2030 vision which was aimed to optimize and better utilize the capacity of hospitals and health care centres. The study aimed to assess public awareness regarding eye diseases and eye care as well as to inquire about difficulties and preferences that participants have in visiting ophthalmologists.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved participants from Dawadmi city and its neighbouring villages aging from 18 years old and more. Data were collected using semi-structured self-administered anonymous online questionnaire in August to December ‘2019.
Results: The study included 1,065 participants with mean age of 26.7 ± 10.9 years. Majority of the study participants were females (66.2%; 705). As for educational level, 774 (72.7%) were university graduated, while 5.8% had lower level of education. The highest reported correct answer was an adequate sleep is important for general health and important for eye health (92.1%), followed by regular eye examination being necessary even if the person does not have eye disease (89.1%).
Conclusion: The study revealed that the study population in the study area had moderately poor awareness regarding eye diseases and eye care. Glaucoma and cataract had the lowest levels of awareness while general eye care had the highest.

Key words: Public awareness, eye care, eye disease, Dawadmi city, vision 2030, practice