Training Needs Assessment for Ophthalmic Nurses in Bauchi and Gombe States

Ophthalmic nurses are critical members of the eye care team in Nigeria, yet systematic assessment of their training needs is rarely conducted, resulting in mismatch between available competencies and the demands of clinical practice. This study conducts a training needs assessment for ophthalmic nurses in Bauchi and Gombe States, North East Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey will be employed. All ophthalmic nurses and ophthalmic technicians working in public eye care facilities in both states will be recruited, estimated at approximately 80 individuals. A self-administered training needs assessment tool will evaluate perceived competency gaps across domains including visual acuity measurement, tonometry, ocular dressing, medications administration, patient counselling, and surgical assistance. Supervisors will independently rate each nurse's observed competency for triangulation. Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, with priority training areas identified based on frequency and magnitude of gaps. Available evidence suggests that many ophthalmic nurses in northern Nigeria were trained over a decade ago and have not received systematic refresher training. Rapid changes in surgical techniques, diagnostic equipment, and patient counselling protocols have created significant knowledge gaps. This study provides a data-driven training agenda for the Bauchi and Gombe State Ministries of Health, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, and training institutions. Recommendations will prioritise competency-based in-service training, structured clinical mentorship, and development of a north-eastern Nigeria ophthalmic nursing training consortium. Keywords: training needs assessment, ophthalmic nurses, Bauchi State, Gombe State, competency gaps