DR. PRASANNA VENKATESH RAMESH

DR. SHRUTHY VAISHALI RAMESH, Dr. R. RAMESH, DR. ANUGRAHA BALAMURUGAN

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the preferences of ophthalmologists, about their proficiency in the use of their right, left or both hands to perform routine clinical and surgical tasks. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through the Google forms platform where invitations were sent to participants. They were made to answer the demographic and practice questionnaires pertaining to handedness. Differences between groups were then analysed by Chi-square test. Results: The survey was completed by 203 ophthalmologists, of which 73 were trainees and 130 were consultants. Overall, 174 participants considered mixed handedness as an essential trait. Majority (N=162, 79.8%) were right-handed, 9 (4.4%) were left-handed and 32 (15.8%) were mixed-handed. A significantly lesser number of trainees (4 [5%]; p <0.05) and clinicians < 5 years of experience (4 [5%]; p <0.001) considered themselves mixed-handed. Conclusion: Mixed-handedness was considered as an indispensable trait in clinical practice.

Full Text