Parent perceived barriers and determinants for vision and eye screening of preschool children in Saudi Arabia- A survey

Abstract

Background and Aims: To study parents perceived barriers and determinants for vision and eye screening of preschool children. Methods: This survey of parents was held from June to November 2024. Twenty-six closed-ended questions related to barriers like attitude of parents (6), busy (2), distance (1), affordability (1), fear (2), primary eye care provider related (6), pediatric ophthalmology service related (7), and bad experience in the past (1) were asked. The five graded responses were graded as very poor (<25%), poor (26% to 50%), good (51 to 75%), and excellent (>76%) agreement with perceived barriers. Results: Of the 1,404 participants, 469 (33.4%) were fathers. Of them, 176 (13%) perceived high barriers, 929 (66%) intermediate barriers, and 299 (21%) participants had low grade barriers. The medians barrier scores for ‘Negative attitude’ (3.5), ‘busy’ (2.5), poor access (2), non-affordability (3), fear (3), ‘primary eye care service related’ (3.3), ‘pediatric eye services related’ (2.7) and ‘bad experience’ (2). The barrier score was associated with mothers (P ≤ 0.004), older age group (P ≤ 0.008), region (P <0.001), level of education (P ≤ 0.003), employment (P ≤ 001), number of children (P ≤ 0.02), children with spectacles (P ≤ 0.007) and parents with spectacles (P ≤ 0.02). Residence in central, eastern, and western regions, as well as having children with spectacles, were significant predictors of perceived barriers to preschool vision screening. Conclusion: Parents’ perceived barriers to preschool vision screening in Saudi Arabia include parental misconceptions, cultural beliefs, and limited access to pediatric ophthalmologists. The financial barriers were not a primary issue; logistical obstacles and the need for female physicians in certain areas affected service utilization.

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