Research

In a study conducted in western China, the association between teacher-to-parent communication and vision care-seeking behavior among students was investigated. The research involved 19,934 students from 252 primary schools. Four groups were identified based on whether and how parents were informed about their children's vision problems: uninformed, informed by teachers, informed by students, or informed by both. Results showed that teacher-to-parent communication significantly increased the odds of students having refraction examinations and owning spectacles. When both students and teachers informed parents, the rate of vision care-seeking behavior was the highest. This indicates that teacher-to-parent communication plays a crucial role in students' vision care. The study emphasizes the importance of teachers' involvement in student vision care, as it is a cost-effective way to enhance vision care-seeking behavior. Policymakers should consider the role of teachers in vision care for students, with the aim of increasing awareness and corrective action regarding children's vision problems.