Evaluation of the Impact of Continuing Professional Development on Optometric Practice Quality in Rivers State

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for ensuring that optometrists maintain current clinical competencies and deliver high-quality patient care. However, the impact of CPD activities on actual practice quality among Nigerian optometrists remains largely unexplored. This study evaluates the relationship between CPD participation and clinical practice quality among optometrists in Rivers State, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional design will be employed, targeting 100 registered optometrists selected through cluster sampling from the Nigerian Optometric Association's Rivers State chapter. A structured questionnaire will assess the frequency, types, and topics of CPD activities undertaken in the previous two years. Practice quality will be assessed through standardized patient simulation exercises and peer chart audits using validated quality indicators. Data analysis will involve descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation. The study expects to find a positive but moderate association between CPD participation volume and practice quality scores, with significant variation in CPD topics pursued. Findings will be submitted to the Nigerian Optometric Association's CPD committee to guide curriculum design, assessment methods, and mandatory CPD credits. This research contributes to the evidence base for CPD effectiveness in Nigerian optometry and provides a framework for monitoring the impact of professional development on eye care quality in the South South geopolitical zone. Keywords: continuing professional development, optometrists, clinical quality, Rivers State, professional standards