Perceived role and scope of practice toward prescription of eye exercises among ophthalmologists and physiotherapists

CONTEXT: The role and scope of physiotherapy practice in ophthalmological conditions for prescription of eye exercises are poorly understood and explored in the literature. Understanding the conditions and prescription of eye exercises may help in developing ophthalmic physiotherapy as a new specialty. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the perceived role and scope of practice of physiotherapists and ophthalmologists in prescribing eye exercises. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among practicing physiotherapists and ophthalmologists in an urban region. A self-made and validated electronic questionnaire was provided which included questions regarding assessment procedures, indications, and scope of prescription of eye exercises by both the professionals. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive analysis of the data obtained was performed. RESULTS: Of the 38 ophthalmologists and 47 physiotherapists who participated in the study, 34 (89.47%) ophthalmologists and 22 (46.80%) physiotherapists were active in prescribing eye exercises. Ophthalmologists contributed largely in the prescription of eye exercises for convergence insufficiency (58.82%), strabismus (50.00%), amblyopia (44.11%), computer vision syndrome (41.17%), and accommodation insufficiency (32.35%), whereas physiotherapists were mainly involved in prescribing eye exercises for conditions such as vestibular dysfunctions (81.81%), squint and eye strain (22.72% each). About 55.26% of ophthalmologists and 46.80% of physiotherapists showed a favorable response for the development of ophthalmic physiotherapy as a specialty branch. CONCLUSION: Eye exercises for ophthalmological or nonophthalmological conditions are largely prescribed currently by the ophthalmologists as compared to physiotherapists, who seem to have a lesser perceived role and application scope in this branch of medicine. The majority of practitioners from both fields favor the development of ophthalmic physiotherapy as a specialty.