Abstract:

Background: The World Health Organization estimated 1.3 billion of people suffering vision impairment. Ophthalmic drugs are important weapon in fighting against eye diseases and major component in pharmaceutical care. Appropriate prescribing pattern increase the efficacy and minimize the burden of eye disease. The study conducted aim to determine the prescription pattern of ophthalmic medications.

Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional hospital based study conducted to determine ophthalmic prescription pattern among 400 outpatients attending at Bugando Medical Centre for the period of January to December 2018. Data was filled and analysed by using STATA version 13.

Results and Discussion: Average number per prescription was 1.59. The most common diagnosis was conjunctivitis 40.3% followed by cataract 19.22%, glaucoma 13.8%, corneal scars and opacities 5.35% and 21.6%. The most common dosage form was eye drops 82.99% followed by oral 13.99%, eye ointment 2.86% and injections 0.16%. Prescription error was very low and prescribing by generic name and follow essential drugs list were very high.

Conclusion and Recommendation: Initiative programs among prescribers on current prescribing pattern and review prescription tools to patients for ensure safe use of drugs.