Research
Access to Eye Care Services for Children within the Education Sector: A Systematic Review in Low and Middle-Income Countries
School health interventions are a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive eye health services to millions of children throughout the world, but eye health is typically omitted from school health interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
This study systematically reviews the global evidence on the facilitators and barriers for children accessing eye health services within the education sector in LMICs, in order to provide global recommendations for more accessible services.
Recommendations include:
Increased positive perceptions and awareness of eye health services, treatments, and spectacles among parents/ guardians, children and the wider community through health promotion.
Increased availability of school eye checks.
Increased availability of low vision devices (such as magnifiers) and mobility training
for children with vision impairment.Cost effective provision of eye care services within schools.
Inclusion of eye health on relevant policies.
Communications and collaboration plan among government entities.