Evaluating the Clinical Competency of Ophthalmic Paramedical Staff in Early Detection of Retinal Disorders

Abstract

Retinal disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusion can lead
to irreversible vision loss; hence, early and timely identification is essential. Optometrists, ophthalmic technicians,
and vision screeners are all included under the umbrella term of ophthalmic paramedical staff who are key to
performing screening, pre-diagnosis, and referral at the community level. This review compiles current literature
relating to the personnel of ophthalmic paramedics and their ability to retain qualification in successfully diagnosing
retinal lesions in the preclinical stage.