No / PURPOSE. Previous studies suggest that optimal reading speed is unaffected by cataract, yet is significantly reduced in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD ). This raises the question of whether a reading speed test could be developed to assess potential vision after cataract surgery. METHODS. Nineteen subjects with cataract, 15 with ARMD, and 13 control subjects with normal, healthy eyes read Bailey-Lovie word charts aloud, and subsequently, critical print size and optimal reading speed were calculated. Measurements were also taken with the charts in reversed-contrast polarity and after pupillary dilation. RESULTS. Although the subjects with cataract had reduced word acuity and increased critical print size, optimal reading speed was similar to that of the control group at a mean of approximately 100 wpm. Optimal reading speed in the subjects with ARMD was substantially worse (mean of 39 wpm). Reversing the contrast polarity of the charts slightly increased the word acuity and optimal reading speed of the subjects with cataract. CONCLUSIONS. The results suggest that optimal reading speed would be useful as a potential-vision test. The proposed test would use text size of at least 1.32 degrees (1.2 log minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]), and pupil dilation would be unnecessary. A reading test with black letters on a white background would be adequate, because charts with reversed-contrast polarity made minimal difference in reading speed.

Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / Background: Since the introduction of optometry services in 1994 in Limpopo hospitals there is a need to improve the eye care services. Hospital records revealed that most of the spectacles worn by health professionals were not issued by the hospital optometry department. Those who were issued with spectacles when they were newly employed had not renewed from the hospital’s optometry department after the recommended two years. The aim of this study was to determine perceptions and attitudes of public healthcare workers towards optometry services in Zebediela. Limpopo Province, South Africa Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Participants were public healthcare professionals in Zebediela hospital and clinics in Zebediela sub-local municipality. Following the ethical approval and informed consent, a self-administered questionnaire with closed-ended questions was used to collect information on the perceptions, attitudes and socio-demographic factors. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS statistic 23 software. Results: The majority of participants had negative perceptions (78.7%) and 76.4% had positive attitudes towards the optometry department. There was significant association between perception according to profession of participants (P=0.025). There was significant association between attitude according to profession (P=0.001), as well as years in institutional employment (P=0.035). There was no significant association between either perceptions or attitudes and age group, gender as well as employment experience Conclusion: The health professionals held negative perceptions but favourable attitudes towards the optometry staff and the optometry service but needed more information for themselves and the general patient. The health professionals were not impressed by the type of spectacles issued and optometry service delivery aspects. Awareness campaigns by optometrists, need to be increased to the public and also inter professional relationships need to be strengthened to reduce negative perceptions through peer cross professional education in the health system.

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