[ABSTRACT]. Objectives. To identify barriers and enablers to accessing
school -based
eye health programs in Bogotá,
Colombia .
Methods . We undertook a qualitative
case study that explored how structural factors, and social and cultural norms influence access to
school -based
eye health programs. We conducted
focus groups discussions and interviews with a purposive sample of 37
participants: government stakeholders (n = 4), representatives from
nongovernmental organizations (n = 3), and an
eye -care practitioner, as well as teachers (n = 7), a
school nurse ,
parents (n = 7), and
children (n = 14) from private and public
schools . Data were analyzed using a priori themes from the availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality framework. Results. Routine
vision screening in
schools is not currently provided nor is there a
budget to support it. Lack of collaboration between the
health and
education ministries and the absence of
national planning affected the delivery of
eye care in
schools . Factors related to acceptability of
school -based
eye health programs included poor acceptance of
training teachers as
vision screeners; stigma related to wearing
spectacles ; and distrust of
health services . The
cost of
spectacles and poor access to
eye health information were identified as barriers to positive
child eye health outcomes by socioeconomically disadvantaged
parents and
children . Conclusion. Our findings suggest the need for a national
school eye health plan and improved cooperation between
health and
education ministries. Interventions to improve
trust in
health services , tackle the lack of
human resources while respecting professional qualifications, and raise
awareness of the importance of
eye health are recommended.