Purpose: Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectatic disorder that causes visual impairment, particularly in adolescents and young adults. Evidence on its epidemiology in Latin America and the Caribbean remains limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of keratoconus and evaluate associated factors, including eye rubbing, sex, family history, and allergy history, in the region. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar was conducted on 15 December 2025 for observational studies published up to December 2025. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled prevalence estimates and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a random-effects model with variance-stabilizing transformation. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and publication bias was explored using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Results: Seven prevalence studies were included in the primary meta-analysis following exclusion of three studies from the previous version of the review, with no additional eligible prevalence studies identified in the updated search. One additional nationwide registry-based study from Colombia was identified but excluded from the primary prevalence synthesis because it reported incidence derived from administrative diagnostic coding rather than clinically assessed prevalence. Among the seven prevalence studies, reported prevalence ranged from 0.50% to 2.88%. The pooled prevalence of keratoconus was 2.07% (95% CI: 1.53–2.79), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 71.9%). Subgroup analyses suggested that prevalence estimates varied by study design, with lower estimates observed in community- and school-based studies and higher estimates in clinic-based studies. No statistically significant associations were identified for eye rubbing, sex, family history, or allergy history; however, these analyses should be interpreted cautiously due to small sample sizes, heterogeneous exposure definitions, and wide confidence intervals. Conclusions: Keratoconus prevalence estimates in Latin America and the Caribbean remain variable and should be interpreted cautiously due to substantial heterogeneity, differences in study design, variability in diagnostic criteria, and differences in case ascertainment. The findings highlight important evidence gaps and support the need for well-designed population-based studies using standardized diagnostic criteria to inform screening strategies, early detection, and eye-care planning in the region.

There is a dearth of research on the readiness of the multiple stakeholder groups needing to adopt competency-based education (CBE) reform in a single optometry program context. This study assessed and compared readiness for transition to CBE across four stakeholder groups—students, educators, regulators, and employers—in Nigerian optometry training on six domains: knowledge, skills, institutional/system readiness, regulatory alignment, workforce relevance, and change readiness. A structured questionnaire (36 items, three-point format) was administered to students (n = 656), educators (n = 26), regulators (n = 3), and employers (n = 16). Scores were computed as a Readiness Index (0–100%), with group differences tested using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. All four groups scored above the scale midpoint. Educators reported significantly higher readiness than students (86.9% vs. 77.3%; H = 14.03, p = 0.003); differences between students and regulators (87.5%) or employers (84.9%) were not significant after Bonferroni correction. The lowest-scoring domain across all groups was institutional/system readiness, particularly among students (mean = 2.20/3.00), and student readiness varied significantly by training institution. Nigerian optometry stakeholders broadly support CBE adoption in principle, but institutional and system-level preparedness lags behind attitudinal support, indicating that reform will require deliberate investment in institutional infrastructure.