Perceptions and Experiences of Key Informants in Eye Health on the Implementation of Eye Care Health Promotion Interventions in South Africa

• Published in: Healthcare (Basel) 2024-11, Vol.12 (22), p.2289
• Main Authors: Masemola, Hlabje Carel, Baloyi, Olivia, Xulu-Kasaba, Zamadonda Nokuthula
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blindness; Data collection; Ethics; Eye diseases; Health care; Health promotion; Health services; Hospitals; Management; Ophthalmology; Prevention; Public health; Qualitative research; Quality of life; Research design; Surveys; Visual impairment
• ISSN: 2227-9032; 2227-9032
• DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12222289

Eye care health promotion interventions aim to encourage the adoption of healthy behaviours that impact eye health and vision impairment, as well as increase the use of eye care services. Thus, this study aims to explore and describe the perceptions of eye care coordinators on the implementation of eye care health promotion interventions in rural Limpopo Province. This exploratory, descriptive qualitative study employed individual in-depth interviews to collect data from 10 district eye health coordinators. Participants were purposely sampled between June and July 2024. Data were analysed thematically using NVivo version 12. The study revealed seven key themes: human resources in eye health, resource management, policy and governance, eye care services, innovation in eye health, community and patient engagement, and coordination and referral systems. In summary, our study offers important insights into the challenges and opportunities in implementing eye care health promotion interventions. A recommendation is made to address identified challenges such as workforce shortages, inadequate infrastructure, fragmented policies and outdated technologies. Policymakers and eye health professionals can work towards achieving the goals of universal health coverage (UHC) in eye health, ultimately improving eye health outcomes.