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Background: Visual impairment and blindness in children can be devastating if not addressed timely. The impact of unmet pediatric eye care needs in Bangladesh is compounded by barriers to accessing eye care, limited engagement with communities, lack of awareness of parents and caregivers, poor health-seeking behavior, lack of an organized system of case findings, lack of appropriate referral network, and affordability. The purpose of this study was to elucidate factors that influence, positively or negatively, people's willingness to seek and utilize pediatric eye care services.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted to have an in-depth understanding of the utilization of current pediatric eye care services in Bangladesh. In-Depth-Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group discussions (FGDs) were used for data collection. Twenty IDIs were completed among policymakers, eye care managers, and service providers. Four FGDs were carried out among parents who attended eye care management in the public hospital and private chamber. Two FGDs were conducted among schoolteachers during school sight testing programs. Thematic analysis carried out.Results: This study identified several interconnected barriers and enablers that affect the utilization of pediatric eye care services.Several factors like non-availability, poor accessibility of services, non-affordability, poor knowledge of available services have been identified that prevent parents from using pediatric eye care services for their children. Lack of knowledge and information about timely intervention of eye diseases recognized as major barrier. There is an urgent need for involving all key stakeholders to create a greater impact in reducing the burden of childhood blindness. Conclusion:Early detection and management of eye diseases will reduce the burden of visual impairment and disability. Utilization of available eye care services is necessary for the reduction of the burden of visual impairment. Awareness campaigns on available pediatric eye health care services, especially amongst those who live in the rural and remote areas are essential.

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