ABSTRACT
Background: Patients’ perceptions and attitudes toward doctors’ prescriptions significantly impact adherence to treatment and overall satisfaction. In the context of optometric care, understanding these factors is crucial for improving patient engagement and treatment outcomes. Purpose: This study evaluates patients’ perceptions and attitudes toward doctors’ prescriptions at the University of Benin Optometry Clinic, examining the alignment between patient expectations and actual prescriptions, as well as factors influencing compliance. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study design was employed, with 160 participants recruited from the University of Benin Optometry Teaching Clinics. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics, prior experiences, expectations, and attitudes toward prescriptions. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25.0, employing descriptive and inferential statistics to identify patterns and relationships. Results: Findings revealed notable discrepancies between patient expectations and actual prescriptions. While 31.9% of participants expected drug prescriptions, only 28.7% received them. Conversely, 25.6% expected glasses, but 30.0% were prescribed. Additionally, 23.8% received no medication but were provided counseling. Trust in prescriptions was relatively high (68.8%), yet 6.9% of participants distrusted their prescriptions, indicating a need for improved doctor-patient communication. The KruskalWallis test showed significant differences in attitudes toward medications across age groups (p = 0.003), while no significant differences were found based on educational level. Contribution to Optometry: This study highlights the role of patient expectations, communication, and socioeconomic factors in treatment adherence. The findings underscore the need for enhanced patient education, expectation management, and follow-up care to bridge gaps between clinical recommendations and patient perceptions. By addressing these factors, optometrists can improve adherence rates, patient satisfaction, and overall eye care outcomes. Keywords: Patient perception, Patient expectations, Optometric prescription, Treatment Adherence, Doctor-Patient communication, Eye care, Visual Health
