Childhood visual impairment causes and barriers to accessing eye care: A suggested approach for Africa

Abstract

Background: Childhood vision impairment (VI) has a significantly harmful effect on both health and social outcomes.

Aim: To assess the causes of childhood VI, to determine obstacles to accessing eye care services and to develop a strategy for the childhood eye care system in African nations.

Method: This systematic review was conducted by searching several online databases, including; Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Ebsco and Medline. They focussed on articles available between 2003 and 2023. These studies were conducted to evaluate the causes of childhood VI and to assess obstacles to accessing eye care services in African countries.

Results: The main causes of childhood VI in African nations can be avoided with timely diagnosis and an appropriate management strategy. The leading obstacles to accessing childhood eye care services were a lack of availability, accessibility and affordability. In addition to these barriers, we found that there are concerns with quality of services, primary health care system, geographic barriers, incorrect health beliefs, inappropriate parental perception, a lack of knowledge, attitudes and inadequate practices related to paediatric eye care.

Conclusion: The main causes of childhood VI were uncorrected refractive error (RE), amblyopia, cataract and corneal opacities that can be avoided with timely diagnosis and an appropriate management strategy. While the main obstacles to accessing childhood eye care services were a lack of availability, accessibility, affordability and healthcare system.

Contribution: The recommended strategy for childhood eye-care services includes models for delivery and training.