Exploring mobilisation strategies for the hard-to-reach visually impaired individuals in the Free State Province: A qualitative study
1
Optometry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1595
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Visual impairment is the third most prevalent impairment worldwide. Visually impaired individuals may have to navigate complex societal barriers and marginalisation daily, thus making them hard to reach.
METHODS:
A descriptive-type exploratory qualitative research approach was used. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Data collection included 5 visually impaired participants,10 community health care workers (CHWs) and 5 low vision clinicians in the public health sector from the five districts in the Free State province in February 2025. The researcher recruited visually impaired individuals through their visual impairment group representative in one of the districts, followed by a meeting to discuss the intentions of the study. Low vision clinicians were recruited using an introductory email, followed by an online meeting to discuss the purpose of the study. The interview lasted approximately an hour for each participant group. Inductive manual coding was used to identify the themes.
RESULTS:
The study identified two main themes: (1) challenges and (2) social and community support. The findings reveal that the affordability and accessibility of spectacles and low-vision devices remain significant challenges. Resources from local government structures and traditional leaders may be available to support visually impaired individuals, but are not utilised effectively. Lack of appropriate infrastructure to enable visually impaired individuals to navigate independently within specific environments. Lack of inclusion of visually impaired individuals in community programs and decision-making processes.
CONCLUSIONS:
The lack of resources to adequately support visually impaired individuals and the unaffordability of low vision devices have become even more pronounced. These challenges limit the capacity to deliver appropriate interventions to visually impaired individuals, further exacerbating the gap in care for the hard-to-reach. Eye care services, resource mobilisation, and coordination between local leadership and health care providers are required to further enhance an eye service delivery model.
Visual impairment is the third most prevalent impairment worldwide. Visually impaired individuals may have to navigate complex societal barriers and marginalisation daily, thus making them hard to reach.
METHODS:
A descriptive-type exploratory qualitative research approach was used. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Data collection included 5 visually impaired participants,10 community health care workers (CHWs) and 5 low vision clinicians in the public health sector from the five districts in the Free State province in February 2025. The researcher recruited visually impaired individuals through their visual impairment group representative in one of the districts, followed by a meeting to discuss the intentions of the study. Low vision clinicians were recruited using an introductory email, followed by an online meeting to discuss the purpose of the study. The interview lasted approximately an hour for each participant group. Inductive manual coding was used to identify the themes.
RESULTS:
The study identified two main themes: (1) challenges and (2) social and community support. The findings reveal that the affordability and accessibility of spectacles and low-vision devices remain significant challenges. Resources from local government structures and traditional leaders may be available to support visually impaired individuals, but are not utilised effectively. Lack of appropriate infrastructure to enable visually impaired individuals to navigate independently within specific environments. Lack of inclusion of visually impaired individuals in community programs and decision-making processes.
CONCLUSIONS:
The lack of resources to adequately support visually impaired individuals and the unaffordability of low vision devices have become even more pronounced. These challenges limit the capacity to deliver appropriate interventions to visually impaired individuals, further exacerbating the gap in care for the hard-to-reach. Eye care services, resource mobilisation, and coordination between local leadership and health care providers are required to further enhance an eye service delivery model.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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