Availability of eye care services and management strategies for ocular conditions in the uMgungundlovu district, KwaZulu-Natal
1
Optometry, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Many ocular conditions that lead to blindness or visual impairment are preventable or treatable with early diagnosis and timely access to eye care. However, individuals in low-income areas often encounter significant barriers. This study assessed eye care management strategies and facility availability for patients in the uMgungundlovu district.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative, and retrospective study was conducted using an online questionnaire and record card reviews to assess management strategies in selected public eye care facilities in uMgungundlovu from January to December 2022. Cluster sampling across 27 facilities was employed. Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), with descriptive statistics presented in graphs and tables. Significant differences in optometrist prescribing patterns were identified, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.
RESULTS:
A total of 1,397 record cards were reviewed from seven facilities. Most patients received spectacles (n = 741, 53%), but 12.5% (n = 174) took six months or longer to receive them, and 12% (n = 167) did not receive them at all. Primary facilities occasionally supplied eye drops, requiring referrals to secondary hospitals for ongoing treatment. Statistically significant differences in optometrist prescribing patterns were found for spectacles (p = 0.039) and pharmaceutical treatments (p < 0.001) between primary and secondary care levels. Six out of seven representatives (85.7%) indicated that facilities lacked adequate ophthalmic equipment and qualified professionals. None of the facilities conducted data analysis, resulting in insufficient evidence-based information for planning.
CONCLUSIONS:
The district faces healthcare access and management gaps. With 84% of the population relying on public services, a comprehensive eye care model (CEC) is essential for equitable access.
Many ocular conditions that lead to blindness or visual impairment are preventable or treatable with early diagnosis and timely access to eye care. However, individuals in low-income areas often encounter significant barriers. This study assessed eye care management strategies and facility availability for patients in the uMgungundlovu district.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative, and retrospective study was conducted using an online questionnaire and record card reviews to assess management strategies in selected public eye care facilities in uMgungundlovu from January to December 2022. Cluster sampling across 27 facilities was employed. Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), with descriptive statistics presented in graphs and tables. Significant differences in optometrist prescribing patterns were identified, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.
RESULTS:
A total of 1,397 record cards were reviewed from seven facilities. Most patients received spectacles (n = 741, 53%), but 12.5% (n = 174) took six months or longer to receive them, and 12% (n = 167) did not receive them at all. Primary facilities occasionally supplied eye drops, requiring referrals to secondary hospitals for ongoing treatment. Statistically significant differences in optometrist prescribing patterns were found for spectacles (p = 0.039) and pharmaceutical treatments (p < 0.001) between primary and secondary care levels. Six out of seven representatives (85.7%) indicated that facilities lacked adequate ophthalmic equipment and qualified professionals. None of the facilities conducted data analysis, resulting in insufficient evidence-based information for planning.
CONCLUSIONS:
The district faces healthcare access and management gaps. With 84% of the population relying on public services, a comprehensive eye care model (CEC) is essential for equitable access.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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