The Scope of Optometry Practice in Jordan

SIGNIFICANCE The scope of optometry practice varies worldwide. Although the scope of optometry practice in Jordan is regulated, discrepancies exist in the services that optometry professionals provide. PURPOSE This study aimed to document the scope of optometry practice in Jordan and to describe the services that optometry professionals provide, as well as to inform regulatory bodies and educators about the current situation of optometry practice and areas that require development. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire completed by optometry professionals working across Jordan. The questionnaire items cover the services and the tests they perform. RESULTS Of the 714 participants, 57.8% were female and 42.2% were male, with a median age of 29 years. Participants were unevenly distributed across Jordan, with the majority working in the major cities and at optical centers (81.5%). Most participants were described as “refractionists.” The most frequently provided services were basic optometric examinations, followed by community eye care services. Ocular medications were not prescribed by any participant. Reasons for not providing services were mainly attributed to license/profession regulations constraints and the service(s) not being part of the job description. About one-half of the participants have the knowledge to diagnose adnexal and anterior segment disorders. CONCLUSIONS Optometry professionals in Jordan can provide more services if the scope of practice is expanded to match their knowledge and skills. Moreover, their nomenclature as refractionists does not represent the range of services they provide that extend beyond refraction. The concern is that optometric services are not reachable by many Jordanian populations because of the inequality of the distribution of professionals. Thus, advocacy to expand the scope of practice in Jordan is recommended.