Developing and Evaluating an Online Educational Program for Falls Prevention Care in Community Optometric Primary Care Settings: A Pilot Study

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations globally, with vision being a significant falls risk factor. Community optometrists as primary eye care professionals can contribute to falls prevention care. This two-phase pilot study developed and evaluated an online educational program for optometrists focused on primary falls prevention care. In the first phase, the program was designed by optometrists and falls experts and published online. In the second phase, 13 optometrists participated in the education and their reaction and learning were evaluated using pre- and post-education surveys. Participants demonstrated high satisfaction with the program and significantly improved knowledge about falls prevention after education. They were also significantly more confident in providing falls prevention care. Access to practical resources and ongoing education were identified as supporting factors, while time constraints during consultations and costs for further patient care were identified as potential barriers.