Evaluation of Ocular Drug Prescribing Practices Among Optometrists in Anambra State

The therapeutic optometry scope in Nigeria allows registered optometrists to prescribe a range of topical ocular medications, a privilege that demands evidence-based prescribing behavior and pharmacological competence. This study evaluates the ocular drug prescribing practices of optometrists in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional audit and survey design will be employed, combining a review of 300 patient prescriptions from 10 optometry clinics in Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi with a structured questionnaire administered to 60 optometrists. Prescribing practices will be assessed against the current therapeutic optometry guidelines issued by ODORBN, examining appropriateness of indication, drug selection, dosage, and patient counseling documentation. Data analysis will involve descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The study anticipates identifying patterns of polypharmacy, suboptimal drug selection, and inadequate documentation of contraindications. Findings will be submitted to ODORBN and the Anambra State Health Management Board to inform regulatory oversight and CPD programming for therapeutic optometry. This research provides the first systematic evaluation of optometric drug prescribing behavior in Anambra State, contributing to professional standards discourse in South East Nigeria and supporting the development of evidence-based prescribing guidelines for Nigerian optometrists. Keywords: ocular drug prescribing, therapeutic optometry, Anambra State, clinical guidelines, pharmacological practice