Associations with health disparities for eyecare in the USA
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between race and socioeconomic status (SES) on health disparities in paediatric eyecare, to characterise the status of diversity within the paediatric ophthalmology workforce and to propose potential solutions to improve access to vision care. The authors considered Medicaid issues in USA practice where significantly more private practices are limiting the number of patients with this insurance and how this impacts children from low-SES backgrounds. They note underrepresented groups in the ophthalmology workforce with racial minority groups comprising 11% of US physicians. Low-SES groups show disparities where children from low-income homes are more than two times likely to self-report poor vision than higher income homes. There is lower engagement with eyecare with reports of negative experiences with healthcare. Health equity issues are also reported for retinopathy of prematurity. Potential solutions include the improvement of pathway and mentorship programmes to promote greater diversity within the ophthalmic workforce. Community engagement involving ancillary health staff may improve local access to eyecare by engaging in community outreach programmes, to provide vision screens, glasses and health education sessions. School-based vision programmes to provide vision screening and glasses directly in school show success in increasing access to eyecare. There is a need for patient education and to improve safeguards for retinopathy of prematurity care.

Review of the disparities in access to pediatric eyecare among low socioeconomic status and underrepresented racial minority groups exacerbated by the economic downturn in pediatric ophthalmology.
Lee KE, Sussberg JA, Nelson LB, Thuma TBT.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGY AND STRABISMUS
2024;61(3):182–8.