Perceptions and opinions of graduating South African optometry students on the proposed community service

Community service (CS) was introduced in South Africa in an attempt to address the shortage and maldistribution of health care professionals within the public sector. The Professional Board for Optometry and Dispensing Opticians (PBODO) has approved legislation for the introduction of CS for graduating optometry students. This study examined the perceptions and opinions of graduating optometry students regarding the proposed CS. A mixed-method design (questionnaires and interviews) was used. Both approaches yielded similar results. The quantitative component included 119 participants, aged between 20 and 35 years (mean age and standard deviation; 22.8 +/- 2.3 years). There were 43.2% Blacks, 28.5% Whites, 19.1% Indians and 9.2% Coloureds. The qualitative part included fourteen participants from the Optometry Department of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The major themes emerging from the questions concerning the participants' perceived advantages and benefits of CS were (i) it would improve the eye care service delivery to disadvantaged communities; (ii) it would improve the technical and clinical skills of the graduating optometrists and (iii) it would enhance their confidence, personal and social skills. Some of the perceived drawbacks cited by the participants about such service included poor remuneration and concerns about personal safety, transport and accommodation. The findings of this study suggest that graduating optometry students acknowledge the importance of CS in improving access of many South Africans to quality eye care. In order to maximise the full benefits of CS, all stakeholders need to address the highlighted concerns of the participants.