Promoting ocular health and knowledge acquisition through university extension

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of two university extension projects – an interactive exhibition (“The exhibition revealed that 90.5% (n: 718) of participants experienced ocular discomfort, and 32.4% (n: 257) of participants had not consulted an ophthalmologist for the last 2 years”) and a bovine eye dissection course – in promoting ocular health and anatomical knowledge. Methods: The exhibition engaged 822 participants using interactive resources and pre- and postintervention questionnaires. On the other hand, the course, which combined theoretical and practical components, involved 156 students and healthcare professionals whose experience was assessed afterward via a feedback questionnaire. Results: The exhibition revealed that 90.5% (n: 718) of participants experienced ocular discomfort, and 32.4% ( n : 257) of participants had not consulted an ophthalmologist for the last 2 years. A significant increase in knowledge of key ocular structures (lens, cornea, pupil, and retina) was observed postintervention. For the dissection course, 98% ( n : 134) of participants preferred the combined theoretical–practical approach, and 89% ( n : 122) of participants rated the experience as “excellent,” despite having no prior hands-on experience. Conclusion: Interactive and hands-on methodologies have shown high effectiveness in promoting engagement and learning. These findings underscore the university’s essential role in public health education and in mitigating avoidable visual impairments within the community.