THE EFFECT OF A BRIEF EDUCATION-PROGRAM ON GLAUCOMA PATIENTS

Purpose: To assess our patients' knowledge of glaucoma and to measure the effect of a brief education program on their understanding of glau coma, Methods: Patients attending glaucoma clinics at a university and a Veterans' Affairs hospital were randomized into two groups: ''expos ed'' and ''unexposed'' to a simple education program of a video and br ochures. Glaucoma knowledge was assessed twice by an oral questionnair e, at 2 weeks and 6 months after randomization plus or minus education . Results: Younger patients and those with more Fears of formal school ing knew more about glaucoma. Two weeks after the education program, t he exposed group performed significantly better than did the unexposed group. Analysis of the results showed benefit from both brochures and video. This effect of education was not seen at retesting 6 months la ter. Conclusion: Older patients and those with less formal education k now less about glaucoma. A brief, simple education program can signifi cantly improve levels of knowledge about glaucoma, even in a relativel y well-informed population. However, patient education must be repeate d to maintain a useful effect.