Abstract
Objective
School-based vision programs (SBVPs) are one approach to increase access to vision
care by providing vision screenings, eye examinations, and eyeglasses directly in
schools. Few studies report on the perspectives of teachers and staff, who are important
stakeholders, on SBVPs. We examined teacher and staff perspectives on their involvement
in SBVPs.
Design
Qualitative study using focus groups.
Participants
Teachers and staff at Baltimore and Chicago public schools served by SBVPs between
2016 and 2018.
Methods
We conducted 21 semistructured focus groups with 117 teachers and staff in 10 Baltimore
and 11 Chicago public preK–12 schools that participated in SBVPs. Sessions were recorded,
transcribed, and coded using inductive thematic analysis.
Results
Participants identified 2 main themes regarding teacher and staff involvement in SBVPs:
(i) program outreach, including using multiple communication modalities to engage parents,
explaining program details to families, and helping with program consent form return
and (ii) promoting vision health, including identifying vision problems in the classroom,
encouraging eyeglasses wear, and supporting eyeglasses maintenance. Participants also
discussed limitations in capacity to partake in these activities.
Conclusion
Teachers interact with parents and students throughout the SBVP process, undertaking
important roles in outreach and health promotion to ensure uptake of SBVP services.
SBVPs and other school-based health programs should explore strategies to support
teachers in the roles they fill to optimize program impact.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: July 17, 2021
Accepted:
June 15,
2021
Received in revised form:
May 27,
2021
Received:
February 6,
2021
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2021 Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
