A Survey on the Evidence-Based Practice of Optometrists in Malaysia

Abstract

Evidence-based practice is useful to help healthcare practitioners, including optometrists, to give the best level of patient care. To date, little is known about the form of evidence used by optometrists in Malaysia in their clinical decision-making. A cross-sectional survey that explores the implementation of evidence-based practice was completed online by 137 registered optometrists. Overall, findings indicate that the respondents did not sufficiently apply evidence-based practice in clinical. Time constraints and restriction in access hinder the respondents from reading journals regularly. The evidence-based practice needs to be formally nurtured in optometry education to bridge the gap between research and clinical.