A survey of patients attending an eye clinic in Ghana

To determine the motivation behind patients attending hospital eye services, 30 in-depth interviews were conducted in Accra, Ghana, using a semi-structured format. Patients were interviewed from five different populations. Discomfort in the eye was the main reason for attending the eye clinic. Patients had high expectations of the doctors and expected to be cured. Limitations such as money, time and travel restricted the frequency of visits. Patients were not generally against doctors seeking second opinions although some expressed disappointment at their doctor being unable to make an immediate diagnosis. The majority of patients were happy for the doctor to seek a second opinion via teleconsultation or any other method. Care needs to be taken to ensure patients return for the outcome of these opinions.