Abstract
Glaucoma is a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, progressing silently and often diagnosed at advanced stages. While state-sponsored screening programs in Kazakhstan have improved early detection, the overall awareness and clinical vigilance among healthcare providers—particularly ophthalmologists—remains inconsistent. Understanding and improving their awareness is critical for timely intervention and prevention of visual impairment. Aim. This literature review aims to critically analyze tools and methodologies used to assess glaucoma awareness and knowledge among healthcare professionals. It identifies strengths and limitations in current instruments to support the development of standardized tools for evaluating professional readiness in glaucoma care. Methods. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed English-language articles assessing glaucoma awareness among ophthalmologists and other eye care professionals using validated or structured instruments. Results: The review identified a range of assessment tools, primarily structured self-administered questionnaires, covering areas such as knowledge of glaucoma risk factors, diagnosis, management, and referral practices. Several instruments were rigorously validated and adapted to specific clinical contexts, while others lacked sufficient methodological detail or cultural sensitivity. Notably, few tools were designed to assess awareness in complex clinical scenarios such as coexisting glaucoma and cataract. Discussion: Validated questionnaires are essential tools for evaluating glaucoma-related knowledge and practice patterns. However, their reliability and applicability vary depending on design quality and the extent of cultural adaptation. The literature emphasizes the need for multidimensional, context-specific instruments, supported by pilot testing and expert review. Awareness levels differ significantly across provider groups, highlighting the necessity for tailored educational approaches. Conclusion: There is a critical gap in validated assessment tools tailored to ophthalmologists, particularly in cases involving comorbid cataract. Developing comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and clinically relevant instruments will facilitate better identification of knowledge gaps, enhance early detection of glaucoma, and improve patient care outcomes.