Introduction: Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of healthcare quality, reflecting how well patients’ expectations and needs are met during care. This study investigated the determinants of patient satisfaction in the Ophthalmology Department of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt.

Aim: To assess patients’ satisfaction with eye care services at the Ophthalmology Department of a tertiary healthcare facility in Rivers State.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 216 adult patients (≥15 years) attending the Ophthalmology Department of RSUTH, Garrison Annex. Participants were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured researcher-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Chi-square tests and multiple regression analyses were used to assess associations and predictors of patient satisfaction. Ethical approval was obtained from the RSUTH Ethics and Research Committee, and informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Results: Most respondents were middle-aged, predominantly female, and had at least secondary education. Prolonged waiting time was a major concern, with most patients waiting over two hours at registration (χ² = 58.04, p < 0.001), largely due to long queues and staff shortages. Extended waiting time negatively influenced overall satisfaction. However, staff communication was highly rated, reflecting empathy, clarity, and responsiveness. Facility quality, including cleanliness and signage, was also positively rated, although seating comfort and restroom facilities received mixed responses. Multiple regression analysis showed that staff communication and facility quality significantly predicted overall patient experience, explaining 29.8% of the variance in patient experience (F = 45.20, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: While communication and interpersonal care were strong aspects of service delivery, prolonged waiting times negatively affected patient satisfaction. Improving operational efficiency, staffing levels, and facility conditions could enhance the overall quality of ophthalmic care.