Perceived barriers to the provision of low vision services among ophthalmologists in India

To identify and report the perceived barriers to the provision of low vision services among ophthalmologists in India.

Seventy nine ophthalmologists responded to a structured self-administered questionnaire. Information was collected to understand the level of awareness and barriers/constraints to provision of low vision services. Significant factors associated with each barrier/constraint and perceptions on providing low vision care were investigated.

Lack of training/knowledge [65 (82.3%)], lack of awareness [59 (74.7%)] and non-availability of low vision devices [57 (72.2%)] were perceived as the major constraints / barriers to providing low vision care. At least one significant factor was found for each of the above constraints/barriers in providing low vision care. The perception of lack of awareness as being one of the constraints/barriers was significantly higher [OR 3.97 (95% CI, 1.02 - 7.8)] among ophthalmologists from organisations providing low vision services. The perception of lack of motivation as constraint/barrier was significantly higher [OR 3.62 (95% CI, 1.3 - 10.3)] among ophthalmologists from organisations providing low vision services and/or those involved in VISION 2020: The Right to Sight programmes [OR 3.83 (95% CI, 1.4 - 10.4)]. The likelihood of responding that low vision care is time consuming was greater for those belonging to a teaching institute [OR 7.19 (95% CI, 2.0 - 26.1)], those involved in low vision services [OR 5.45 (95% CI, 1.8 - 16.5)] and those who knew that low vision is a priority in VISION 2020 [OR 15.1, 95% CI, 1.5 -155.4].

Ophthalmologists need more education about the benefits of low vision care in order to increase their level of awareness and knowledge.