Lived Experiences of People with Visual Impairment in Africa: Access, Barriers, and Social Inclusion
1
École d'optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
2
Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Readaptation du Montréal métropolitain, Montréal, Canada
3
École de santé publique, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
4
Centre de recherche en santé publique, Québec, Canada
5
Institut Nazareth et Louis-Braille du Centres Intégrés de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Montérégie-Centre, Québec, Canada
6
Centre de Réadaptation Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay du Centrés Intégrés Universitaires de Santé et de Services Sociaux du Centre-Ouest-de-l ‘Île-de-Montréal, Québec, Canada
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1253
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Vision rehabilitation services, government assisted programs, and social support occupy an important role in helping people adapt to life with visual impairment. Though services are available, people with visual impairments are often marginized,contributing to disparities in access and outcomes. This study explores the lived experiences of people with visual impairment in Africa.
METHODS:
A mixed-methods design was used as part of a larger international study of vision rehabilitation and well-being across six continents. 266 participants with low vision or blindness from Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Nigeria, South Africa, Togo and Zambia completed structured questionnaires between January and September 2024, examining access to vision rehabilitation services and perceived impact on their well-being. Findings guided a qualitative phase with semi-structured interviews of 26 participants, including people with visual impairment, rehabilitation practitioners or educators, and medical professionals, conducted between November 2024 and March 2025. Interviews explored service availability, government support, and social inclusion. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.
RESULTS:
Only 37% of respondents reported accessing vision rehabilitation services despite their availability. Among non-users, low awareness and limited perceived relevance were shaped by stigma and negative connotation toward visual impairment. Five key themes emerged: vision rehabilitation, eye care services, government programs, assistive devices, and physical accessibility. While services existed, their impact was constrained by stigmatization, low public awareness, geographical maldistribution, and a shortage of professionals.
CONCLUSIONS:
An inclusive approach for people with visual impairments at the systemic level is urgently needed to achieve rightful equity. Governments must prioritize equity in policy development, support full inclusion, and address the needs of people with visual impairments through active strategies that promote public sensitization, and challenge stigmatizing beliefs, while also addressing structural barriers ensuring people with visual impairments(PVI) are recognized as full and capable participants in society.
Vision rehabilitation services, government assisted programs, and social support occupy an important role in helping people adapt to life with visual impairment. Though services are available, people with visual impairments are often marginized,contributing to disparities in access and outcomes. This study explores the lived experiences of people with visual impairment in Africa.
METHODS:
A mixed-methods design was used as part of a larger international study of vision rehabilitation and well-being across six continents. 266 participants with low vision or blindness from Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Nigeria, South Africa, Togo and Zambia completed structured questionnaires between January and September 2024, examining access to vision rehabilitation services and perceived impact on their well-being. Findings guided a qualitative phase with semi-structured interviews of 26 participants, including people with visual impairment, rehabilitation practitioners or educators, and medical professionals, conducted between November 2024 and March 2025. Interviews explored service availability, government support, and social inclusion. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.
RESULTS:
Only 37% of respondents reported accessing vision rehabilitation services despite their availability. Among non-users, low awareness and limited perceived relevance were shaped by stigma and negative connotation toward visual impairment. Five key themes emerged: vision rehabilitation, eye care services, government programs, assistive devices, and physical accessibility. While services existed, their impact was constrained by stigmatization, low public awareness, geographical maldistribution, and a shortage of professionals.
CONCLUSIONS:
An inclusive approach for people with visual impairments at the systemic level is urgently needed to achieve rightful equity. Governments must prioritize equity in policy development, support full inclusion, and address the needs of people with visual impairments through active strategies that promote public sensitization, and challenge stigmatizing beliefs, while also addressing structural barriers ensuring people with visual impairments(PVI) are recognized as full and capable participants in society.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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