Eyes of Understanding: Ophthalmologists' Attitudes Towards Caring for People With Intellectual Disabilities in Clinical and Nonclinical Settings.
Journal
Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID
Journal Volume
38
Journal Issue
5
Start Page
Article number e70128
ISSN
1468-3148
Date Issued
2025-09
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: This study compared ophthalmologists' and other health-care professionals' attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities in clinical and nonclinical settings. Methods: Between January 2022 and October 2023, a survey was conducted among 127 physicians, 100 optometrists/opticians, and 86 other health-care professionals in Taiwan. Their attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities in nonclinical and clinical settings were examined using 14-item and 8-item scales, respectively; data on their training and care experience were collected. Results: Ophthalmologists exhibited positive attitudes in nonclinical settings (mean = 55.9/70) but exhibited less positive attitudes in clinical settings (mean = 23.5/40). In clinical settings, ophthalmologists exhibited the highest scores across most items, indicating the most favourable attitudes. Optometrists generally had the second-highest scores, followed by other healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Ophthalmologists' attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities may considerably differ between clinical and nonclinical settings.
Subjects
attitudes
disparity
eye care
intellectual disability
ophthalmologists
vision health
SDGs
Type
journal article