# Current Status and Barriers of Ophthalmic Examination Services in Companion Animal Clinics in South Korea

## TL;DR

Most South Korean veterinarians offer basic eye exams but few perform fundus exams due to cost, lack of confidence, and low perceived need.

## Contribution

Identifies barriers to fundus examinations in companion animal clinics and suggests solutions to improve diagnostic practices.

## Key findings

- Over 80% of veterinarians perform general ocular exams but only 30% conduct fundus exams.
- High equipment cost and lack of diagnostic confidence are the main barriers to fundus exams.
- Improving access to affordable tools and training could increase fundus exam adoption.

## Abstract

To investigate the current status of ophthalmic examinations, referral practices to specialized veterinary eye hospitals, and the associated challenges faced by veterinarians in South Korea.

A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted in South Korea from April 23 to May 6, 2024. A total of 114 veterinarians participated in the study.

Over 80% of respondents (n = 101) reported providing general ocular examinations, including vision testing and anterior segment examination. However, only about one‐third (n = 35) performed fundus examinations. The main barriers to performing fundus exams were the high cost of equipment (70.3%), lack of diagnostic confidence (48.3%), and perceived low clinical need (28.1%).

While general ophthalmic services are widely available, the provision of fundic examinations remains limited. Addressing this gap may require increasing awareness of affordable diagnostic tools, enhancing veterinarians’ diagnostic confidence through education and training, and emphasizing the clinical importance of fundic examinations.