Student Research

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The Knowledge of Eyecare and Glaucoma in Patients Visiting A University Eye Clinic.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, 2023)
OBJECTIVES: This research aims to determine the level of knowledge the public has on the importance of eye care and glaucoma. It also intends to examine the possible correlations between sociodemographics and the level of knowledge about eye care and glaucoma. Furthermore, the study aims to determine whether people who have a family history of glaucoma are more knowledgeable about the disease and the methods by which they are informed. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and May 2023. Data was gathered through a structured questionnaire comprised of the subject’s socio-demographics and knowledge of eyecare and glaucoma. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program (SPSS). Associations between the socio-demographics and other details were tested using the Chi-square test, the Phi and Cramer test, and the Z-test for independent proportions. RESULTS Out of the total of 96 participants, 64.6% were aware of glaucoma. There was also a high level of knowledge of glaucoma with a significant correlation between gender and age (p<0.05). There was also a strong correlation between those with a family history of glaucoma and awareness and knowledge. The optometrist was the most common source of information for participants in this study. Statistics showed a high level of knowledge on eyecare with 42.7% of the participants stating that the average individual should get an eye exam done every two years. CONCLUSION The knowledge of eye care and glaucoma was high, however, the study revealed insufficient knowledge in specific areas of glaucoma. As a result, more efforts are required to educate the public about this condition and prevent blindness caused by glaucoma through effective mechanisms.
Epidemiology of Ocular Allergy Among School Children in Trinidad and Tobago.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago., 2023) Dr Ngozika Ezinne; Gertiesingh, Narissa; Poonan, Ryan
Aim: To determine the epidemiology of ocular allergy(OA) in secondary school children in Trinidad and Tobago Method: A descriptive cross-sectional school-based study was done using the ISAAC questionnaire to assess the epidemiology of OA. A spinner wheel website was used to select schools to be included. Information on demography, presence of ocular allergy symptoms, associated risk factors, and impact of ocular allergy were obtained. The data collected was exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the correlation between variables was examined with the use of Pearson Chi-square test using a p-value of <0.05 as the threshold for statistical significance. Results- A total of 420 students comprising of 198 males (47.1%) and 222 females (52.9%) aged 11–18 years participate in the study. The prevalence of OA was 49.3% (207 children) and SAC was the most prevalent (90.3%) type of OA found. The prevalence of OA was higher among 14 years age group (23.4%) and females (58.8%). Difficulty breathing, wheezing, asthma, food, rhinitis, atopic eczema, and mites were associated with OA. Conclusion- The prevalence of OA among secondary school students in Trinidad was relatively high (49.3%) as compared to various studies conducted across the globe.
Contact Lens Complications of Patients Visiting a University Eye Clinic.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, 2023) Farnon, Dr Niall; Boodram, Cassandra; Hilaire, Shanik
Objective: To determine the percentage of patients that experience contact lens complications at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Optometry Clinic as well as to establish and assess common physiological complications of the cornea and conjunctiva that occur in those that wear either soft, rigid and scleral contact lenses, of that percentage. Methods: Contact lens wearers of the clinic were identified, contacted via telephone and asked if they would be interested in participating in the study. Once they agreed, participants visited the clinic wearing their contact lenses two hours prior as instructed. Participants were required to give verbal and written consent before completing a questionnaire. The anterior part of the eye was observed using a slit lamp and times 10, 16 and 25 magnifications were used to view the conjunctiva and cornea appropriately. The data collected was analysed using SPSS. Results: The study included 19 participants, mainly females aged 18-25 who were mostly wearing soft, daily disposable contact lenses. There were three scleral patients and no RGP patients participating in the research. The most common symptom reported was dry eyes, and the most common complication was hyperaemia. All participants reported washing their hands before inserting lenses but a few participants were still sleeping and showering in their lenses, overwearing them, and not cleaning or disposing of their lens cases within the recommended time. Conclusion: Patients' age and compliance were two major factors that contributed to patients having or not having complications. Patient knowledge of contact lens complications and proper care practices did not influence how patients cared for their contact lenses.
The Prevalence of Binocular Vision Anomalies and Refractive Error among Secondary School Children in Southern Trinidad and Tobago.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, 2023) Dr Ngozika Ezinne; Mohansingh, Safiyya; Rattan, Vishal
This research seeks to investigate the prevalence of Binocular Vision Anomalies and Refractive Error among Secondary School Students in Trinidad and Tobago. Methods: A cross sectional school-based study was done by conducting vision screenings in two different schools in south Trinidad to investigate the prevalence of BVA and refractive error. A website called picker wheel was used to select schools to be included. Information on demography was obtained, and refractive error and binocular vision testing were conducted. The data collected was entered into Microsoft excel and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Pearson Chi Squared was used to describe the distribution of categorical values and association between variables were evaluated using Spearman’s rho using a p-value of <0.05 as the threshold for statistical significance. Results: A total of 95 students comprising of 49 (51.6%) males and 46 females (48.4%) ages 12-18 years participated in this study. The prevalence of BVA was 13.7% (13 children) with convergence insufficiency (6.2%) being the most prevalent type found. Refractive error was more prevalent accounting for 64.7% of participants, with myopia being the most prevalent (54.2%) type of refractive error. It was determined using the Spearman rho test that there is no statistically significant correlation between BVA and refractive error. Conclusion: The prevalence of BVA and refractive error among secondary school students in south Trinidad was found to be 13.7% and 64.7% respectively.
Investigating Visual Perception Problems and Visual Motor Skills Challenges in Adults with Low Vision and Healthy Controls Using TVMS-3.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, 2023) Ekemiri, Dr.Kingsley; Deonath, Aniela; Chiemeke, Uche
Aim: To investigate visual perception problems and visual motor skills challenges in adults with Low Vision and healthy control using Test for Motor Visual Skills 3 (TVMS-3) Method: Data was obtained from both LV and non-LV patients through the administration of the Test for Visual Motor Skills (TVMS) at the UWI Clinic in the Couva Multi training facility. Prospective participants were identified through the Clinic's database, diabetes association vision screenings, and individuals meeting the inclusion criteria. LV patients were selected using the LV Clinic records and contacted via telephone. A questionnaire assessed demographic data and ocular health. 29 LV and 30 non-LV participants took part in the study. Result: The study analyzed responses from a total of 59 participants, including 29 LV individuals and 30 healthy controls. The LV group reported a higher likelihood of visual perception problems and ranked lower in percentiles on the TVMS-3 test. In terms of accuracy and error analysis, the control group performed better on the TVMS-3, with a higher mean score (X̄ = 35.48 ± 7.36) compared to the LV group (X̄ = 67.47 ± 8.21). Conversely, the LV group reported having more visual perception problems than the healthy control group. Conclusion: this research study revealed that adults with LV exhibited significantly poorer scores on the Test for Motor Visual Skills 3 (TVMS-3), indicating notable challenges in visual motor skills. Additionally, the LV group demonstrated a higher prevalence of visual perception problems compared to the healthy control group. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and support to address visual motor skills and visual perception issues in individuals with LV. Further research is needed to develop effective strategies for intervention and rehabilitation in this population.
Variation of the Corneal Biomechanical Properties of Patients with Dry Eyes, Keratoconic and Healthy Eyes Using the Ocular Response Analyzer Machine.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, 2023) Ekemiri, Dr Kingsley; Juman, Ruqayya; Hosein, Saarah; Patel, Abdullah
Abstract: Objective: This study intends to investigate the corneal biomechanical properties of persons with dry eye, keratoconus and normal eyes. Method: This study was a case-control study of the corneal biomechanical properties of patients with dry eye, keratoconus and normal eyes from The UWI Optometry Clinic. A total of 85 subjects and 3 study groups with 35 subjects making up the Healthy eyes control group, 30 subjects making up the Dry eyes group and 20 subjects making up the Keratoconus group. Results: The CH for dry eyes and normal eyes were determined to be 11.2 mmHg and 11.13 mmHg respectively. The CRF for dry eyes and normal eyes were determined to be 11.14 mmHg and 10.98 mmHg respectively. The CH and CRF for patients with keratoconus were determined to be 8.89 mmHg and 8.32 mmHg respectively. Conclusion: The findings indicate that there is a significant difference in the corneal biomechanical properties between keratoconic eyes and the healthy eyes group. However, there was no significant difference observed in the dry eyes group compared to the healthy eyes group. Consequently, it was concluded that the Ocular Response Analyzer machine can be employed as a diagnostic tool for keratoconus, but it would not be effective for diagnosing dry eyes.
The Blood Pressure and Sugar Level Characteristics of Patients Visiting a University Eye Clinic.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, 2023) Farnon, Dr Niall; Salvary, Kyla; Babb, Omar
Objective: This research project aimed to assess the blood pressure and blood sugar level characteristics of patients visiting the Couva Hospital & Multi-Training Facility in Trinidad and Tobago, and to determine their awareness and understanding of these systemic diseases. The study conducted analytical research with a cohort approach and gathered data by testing patients’ blood sugar and blood pressure, and by asking brief questions regarding their knowledge and management of their conditions. Method: The blood pressure and blood sugar was taken from 100 patients via the OMRON IntelliSense Professional Digital Blood Pressure Monitor and the Gluco Perfect LLC Perfect 3 respectively. The blood pressure machine took 3 consecutive readings and produced an average blood pressure reading which was recorded. The patient was then given a random blood sugar testing device and instructed on how to use it to obtain their blood sugar reading. Results: The results showed that there were 38% more female participants than male participants, and age was the most significant factor contributing to trends such as frequency of taking blood pressure or blood sugar measurements and knowledge of normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It was found that older individuals monitored their blood pressure and blood sugar levels more regularly and had a better understanding of what the normal levels for these readings should be. Conclusion: The research highlighted a higher degree of unfamiliarity with normative blood pressure levels compared to blood sugar levels. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of raising awareness and educating individuals about hypertension and diabetes, two conditions that can pose serious risks to eye health.
Epidemiology of Keratoconus and Associated Risk Factors in High School Students in Couva, Trinidad.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago., 2023) Dr. Ngozika Ezinne; Phagoo, Shinead; Roopnareinsingh, Ameera
Aim: To determine the prevalence of keratoconus and associated risk factors of keratoconus among high school students in Couva. Method: This study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study on the prevalence of keratoconus among high school students in Couva. Schools were selected based on their proximity to the University of the West Indies Optometry Clinic in Cova. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select students to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and assess risk factors of keratoconus. Clinical assessment including visual acuity, scissors reflex, and topography was performed for those at risk of keratoconus. The data was exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) where descriptive analysis tests were done, and logistic regression analysis was used to determine associated risk factors. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of keratoconus was 0.46% (2/432) and 47.7% of the participants were at risk of having keratoconus. Family history was found to be significantly associated with keratoconus (OR = 142.333, 95% CI: 7.119–2845.711; p=0.00). The awareness of keratoconus was low among the study population (9.0%). Conclusion: This prevalence of keratoconus and those at risk of having keratoconus among high school students in Couva was significantly high when compared with global findings. Family history was the most significant factor of keratoconus and there was a poor awareness of 2 keratoconus. Awareness about keratoconus among high school children in Trinidad is highly advised for early detection of keratoconus and those at risk.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Preference Towards the Management of Myopia Among Patients in Trinidad with UWI Students.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, 2023) Dr. Kingsley Ekemiri; Lawrence, Destiny; Oudit, Shania
OBJECTIVE: To investigate knowledge, attitudes, and preferences of patients in Trinidad towards myopia management with those of UWI students. METHOD: This study was a Cross-Sectional Observational Study which tested the knowledge, attitudes and preferences towards myopia management through an online questionnaire. This study targeted patients who were myopes. University students (UWI). RESULTS: A total of 317 patients and students were enrolled in this study with 114 being males (36.0%) and 203 being females (64.0%). Their ages ranged from 18-35 years with 40.4% of participants being between ages 18-21, 21.8% between 22-25, 16.1% between ages 26-30 and 21.8% between ages 30-35. In the assessment of knowledge there was a mean score of 12.31 ± 4.20 which indicated there was a poor total knowledge score amongst participants regarding myopia management. For the assessment of attitudes there was a total mean score of 21.64 ± 3.30 indicating that patients had a good attitude towards myopia management as well as spectacles (45.4%) and soft contact lenses (41.4%) were the most preferred treatment for myopia management. CONCLUSION: To conclude, from conducting this study, there is a lack of awareness of myopia management in Trinidad and hence, measures need to be taken in order spread knowledge on myopia.
Knowledge, awareness and attitudes of optometrists in Trinidad towards tele-optometry
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus) Pope, Akera; Tyson, Moesha
Visual function and quality of life in artificial eye wearers in Trinidad.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus) Soondar, Portia; Harry, Jordan
Comparison of corneal morphological characteristics between diabetic and non-diabetic population.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus) Ambris, Josiah; Farmer,Khachielle
Asthenopia among undergraduate students of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus) Surujmal,Aaron; Boodoo, Alicia
The epidemiology of Keratoconus in Trinidad and Tobago.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus) Bissoon, Elicia; Lawrence, Destiny
Knowledge, Awareness and attitudes of optometrists in Trinidad towards tele-optometry.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus) James, Aliah; Phillip, Kureem
Awareness and use of contact lenses in Sports in Trinidad and Tobago.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus) Isaac, Rickila; Bruce, Tamara
Optometrists knowledge and attitude towards prescribing blue-light blocking lenses.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus) Joseph, LaShaunda; Rampersad,Ariel
The visual status of drivers in Trinidad.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus) Seepersad, Prashan; Seetaram, Krista K.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of Trinidad and Tobago’s population towards ultraviolet eye protection.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus) Niles, Ariel; Rambachan,Keeshev; Rambadan, Dana
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on computer vision syndrome among teachers in Trinidad.
(Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus) Mc Knight, Devonte; Prospere, Raegan

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