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Parent and Teacher Perspectives on Factors Decreasing Participation in School-Based Vision Programs
Hursuong Vongsachang1, D S Friedman1,2, A Inns3
1Wilmer Eye Institute, Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Ophthalmic Epidemiology
|February 22, 2020
Summary
Barriers like complex consent forms and low awareness hinder school vision program participation. Addressing these and targeting underserved students can improve access to essential vision care and eyeglasses.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Ophthalmology
- Education
Background:
- School-based vision programs are crucial for early detection and management of vision impairments in children.
- Participation rates in these programs can be suboptimal, impacting their effectiveness.
- Understanding barriers from parent and teacher perspectives is key to improving program reach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors limiting participation in school-based vision programs.
- To gather insights from parents and school staff regarding these barriers.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 41 semi-structured focus groups with parents (n=90) and teachers/staff (n=117) across elementary and middle schools in Baltimore and Chicago.
- Utilized inductive analysis of recorded and transcribed sessions to identify key themes.
Main Results:
- Key barriers included: difficulties with consent forms (distribution, literacy, language), existing eye care, program misunderstandings (cost, insurance), low parental awareness, and negative attitudes (low prioritization, mistrust, fear of data sharing, reluctance for subsidized services).
- Both structural issues (consent, awareness) and individual reasons (attitudes, misunderstandings) were identified.
Conclusions:
- School vision programs face significant participation barriers related to administrative processes and parental engagement.
- Strategies to simplify consent, enhance program awareness, and address misconceptions are needed.
- Targeting services to children without current eye care access and educating on vision importance is recommended.
