Strategies for Success: Parent Perspectives on School-based Vision Programs

Abstract

Objective: School-based vision programs (SBVPs) connect children to eyecare directly in schools with benefits for vision and academics. Whereas parental engagement is critical to SBVP success, research on parent perspectives is lacking. We report on parental suggestions about how to maximize the impact of SBVPs. Methods: Data were collected from 20 parent focus groups (90 participants) in Baltimore, MD and Chicago, IL. Focus groups were recorded, audio-transcribed, and coded using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Major themes of parental suggestions for maximizing SBVP impact were: (1) communication, (2) education, and (3) eyeglass resources. Flyers and phone calls were the most frequently suggested methods for communication. Parents requested education regarding screening outcome, instructions for eyeglass use, and eyecare recommendations. Parents also suggested eyeglass resources to assist in maintenance and multiple pairs of eyeglasses. Conclusions: This information provides a framework about what parents want to know about SBVPs and opportunities to strengthen program-parent engagement. This framework can support the mission of increasing early childhood vision screening and reducing vision loss in children and adolescents as set forth by Healthy People 2030.