Improving access to optometry services for people at risk of preventable sight loss: a qualitative study in five UK locations

Background Reducing preventable sight loss is an increasing priority for public health and health care providers. We examined the factors affecting people's use of optometry services in population groups at increased risk of sight loss. Methods This is a qualitative study in five UK locations....

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of public health (Oxford, England) England), 2014-12, Vol.36 (4), p.667-673
Main Authors: Leamon, S., Hayden, C., Lee, H., Trudinger, D., Appelbee, E., Hurrell, D.-L., Richardson, I.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
African Continental Ancestry Group
Aged
Caribbean Region
Eye Diseases - prevention & control
Eye Diseases - psychology
Female
Focus Groups
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice - ethnology
Health Services Accessibility - statistics & numerical data
Humans
Interventions (services)
Male
Middle Aged
Optometry
Pakistan
Professional-Patient Relations
Qualitative Research
United Kingdom
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Background Reducing preventable sight loss is an increasing priority for public health and health care providers. We examined the factors affecting people's use of optometry services in population groups at increased risk of sight loss. Methods This is a qualitative study in five UK locations. In England, participants were from the Pakistani and Black Caribbean communities; in Scotland from the Pakistani community; and in Northern Ireland and Wales from white socio-economically deprived communities. Thirty-four focus groups were conducted (n = 289). The study included people who attend optometry services and people not engaged with services. Results Barriers to access included limited awareness of eye health and eye disease, concern about the cost of spectacles and the appropriateness of optometry in a commercial setting. Attendance at the optometrist was primarily symptom led. A positive previous experience or continuing relationship with the optometrist helped to alleviate the barriers and promote attendance. Conclusion Addressing the disparity between the broader messages about eye health and the current perception of the function of optometry could help improve access to services. Uptake may be improved through the co-production of interventions that better resonate with local communities. Non-retail service delivery options should be explored.
ISSN:1741-3842
1741-3850
DOI:10.1093/pubmed/fdt130