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

Abstract

Purpose: To identify and report the perceived barriers to the provision of low vision services among ophthalmologists in India. Methods: 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. Results: 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 constraintd/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]. Conclusion: Ophthalmologists need more education about the benefits of low vision care, in order to increase their level of awareness and knowledge.