Rates and Determinants of Eyecare Utilization and Eyeglass Affordability Among Individuals With Visual Impairment in a Multi-Ethnic Population-Based Study in Singapore

Abstract

Rates and determinants of eyecare utilization and eyeglass affordability among individuals with visual impairment in a multi-ethnic population-based study in Singapore. Trans Vis Sci Tech. 2020;9(5):11, https://doi.org/10.1167/tvst.9.5.11Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of, and factors associated with, eyecare utilization and spectacle affordability among Singaporeans with vision impairment (VI). Methods:We included adults with VI from their second visit of the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Disease Study. Data on eyecare utilization and spectacle affordability were collected. Low eyecare utilization was defined as no eye check ever or eye checks not even once per year in reference to at least once per year. Difficulty affording glasses was defined as glasses being rated as expensive in reference to not expensive.Results: There were 985 adults (14.5%; 415 Malays, 260 Indian, and 310 Chinese; mean age [SD]: 69.5 [10.2] years; 55.4% women) with VI who answered the above questions, were included. Of these, 624 (63.4%) wore glasses. The rates of low eyecare utilization and difficulty affording eyeglasses were 31% and 63%, respectively. Compared to Chinese (23.8%) and Indians (18.8%), Malays (57.4%) had the highest rates of low eyecare utilization (P < 0.001), and most difficulty affording eyeglasses (47.2% vs. 26.1% and 26.6% in Chinese and Indians, respectively; P < 0.001). Younger age, low socioeconomic status, absence of diabetes, absence of self-reported eye conditions, and poor vision were independently associated with low eyecare utilization, whereas older age and female sex was associated with difficulty affording glasses. Conclusions:In this multi-ethnic population with VI, almost one-third had low eyecare utilization and nearly two-thirds reported difficulty affording eyeglasses.Translational Relevance: This will inform strategies, such as tailored eyecare utilization awareness campaigns and awareness of available subsidy schemes for at-risk Singaporeans, such as Malays.

Medication Adherence in Patients With Glaucoma and Disability

“…This may explain why greater effort was made by these patients to ensure the maintenance of their vision. This is in contrast to a Singaporean study, which reported that people with visual impairment had low eye care utilization 23 ; the discrepancy is likely attributable to different definitions for visual disability and visual impairment in their study. Although lack of eye care utilization can lead to visual impairment, 24 our study adds to existing knowledge in 2 ways.…”

Determinants of Eye Care Service Utilization Among Malawian adults; A Secondary Analysis of the Malawi fifth Integrated Household Survey 2019-2020

“…[10] Surprisingly, our study found that people with chronic diseases were less likely to use eye care services, however, others found that chronic diseases are associated with ECU. [23,35] A recent study found that understanding of health and disease is a key determinant of seeking healthcare among persons with chronic conditions in Malawi. [36]…”

“…[10] Surprisingly, our study found that people with chronic diseases were less likely to use eye care services, however, others found that chronic diseases are associated with ECU. [23,35] A recent study found that understanding of health and disease is a key determinant of seeking healthcare among persons with chronic conditions in Malawi. [36] Regarding residence, our investigation revealed that people from the urban areas utilize eye care services more than their rural counterparts comparable to previous studies [23] The rural urban disparity can be explained by less available ophthalmic human resources in rural areas.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) about Refractive Error among Students Attending Faculty of Health Sciences at L&#250;rio University in Mozambique, 2020

“…Routine eye examinations are important for the timely detection and management of vision issues. As the major causes of Visual Impairment (VI) and blindness are treatable, appropriate use of eye care services, such as regular eye examinations, is a key factor in optimizing national eye health [10].…”