Role of saudi optometrists in combating systemic hypertension

Background: The low level of awareness, treatment and control of systemic hypertension is much serious in Saudi Arabia. We assess the contribution of Saudi Optometrists in detection and management of patients with systemic hypertension. Method: 250 Optometrists practicing responded to a survey evaluating the level of awareness in combating systemic hypertension. Results: A 48.4% response rate was obtained from practicing Optometrists. Of those responding, Optometrists were very positive towards the use of blood pressure (BP) monitors in optometric practice on a routine basis. Forty-six percent of the optometrists had access to a BP monitor and about 93% of these respondents actually used the monitors during clinic consultations. Automated monitors were the most common (54%). Fifty-one percent and 49% of the Optometrists reported that they did routinely question their patients about high BP and about their current BP medications, respectively. The less frequently asked question concerned the cholesterol level of the patient (21%). The tests most widely used by the Optometrist while examining hypertensive patients was direct ophthalmoscopy with red free filter (56%) and the least was binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (21%). Optometrists were more likely to refer patients suspected of systemic hypertension on the basis of elevated BP (74%) & presence of retinal hemorrhages(72%)but were less likely to refer patients with changes in arteriolar reflex (41%). Conclusion: Optometrists in Saudi Arabia are enthusiastic on actively participating in the detection, referral, and co-management of systemic hypertension as a way of combating the deadly disease. However, further education on this is required.