Challenges faced by women in optometry while delivering community eye care services

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Optometry
• Public Health
• Gender Studies

Background:

• India has a vast population requiring extensive community eye health services.
• Understanding the specific challenges faced by female optometrists is crucial for improving eye care delivery.
• Addressing these challenges can enhance the quality and accessibility of vision care services nationwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the multifaceted challenges encountered by women in optometry within community eye care settings.
• To identify barriers related to logistics, gender bias, and organizational support.
• To explore the impact on work-life balance and professional satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with 18 female optometrists.
• Utilized a semi-structured questionnaire to gather comprehensive data.
• Employed thematic analysis using MAXQDA-10 software for data interpretation.

Main Results:

• Female optometrists reported challenges including logistical issues, gender bias from communities and peers, and difficulties with work-life balance.
• Participants had an average age of 36.4 years, with 14.3 years in optometry and 9.5 years in community eye health.
• Key motivators included job satisfaction, opportunities for learning, and career advancement.

Conclusions:

• Female optometrists in community eye health face significant obstacles, from inadequate facilities to gender discrimination and work-life integration issues.
• Despite these difficulties, participants expressed fulfillment and job satisfaction from their community-focused work.
• The findings offer insights for policymakers and healthcare leadership to improve support systems for female optometrists.