Services on Demand
Journal
Article
Spanish (pdf)
Article in xml format
Article references
Automatic translation
Send this article by e-mailIndicators
Cited by SciELO 
Access statistics
Related links
Cited by Google 
Similars in
SciELO 
Similars in Google
Share
Permalink
Revista de la Universidad Industrial de Santander. Salud
Print version ISSN 0121-0807On-line version ISSN 2145-8464
Abstract
PALENCIA-FLOREZ, Diana Cristina; OVIEDO-CACERES, María del Pilar; ARIAS-PINEDA, Karen Natalia and GUISASOLA-VALENCIA, Laura. Criteria for referral and barriers to care for people with low vision in Santander. Rev. Univ. Ind. Santander. Salud [online]. 2023, vol.55, e68. Epub Dec 04, 2023. ISSN 0121-0807. https://doi.org/10.18273/saluduis.55.e:23031.
Objective:
To identify referral criteria and barriers perceived by optometrists for the rehabilitation of people with low vision in Santander.
Methods:
Cross-sectional study, which included 82 optometrists from municipalities of Santander, selected by purposive sampling. A questionnaire with 36 questions was designed to collect data that are reported using descriptive statistics.
Results:
A total of 47.5% of the professionals are clear about the level of visual acuity to classify a person with low vision. The main barriers identified for access to low vision services were: the referral process within the health system is cumbersome (74.39%), lack of services nearby (57.31%) and considering that patients cannot afford the aids (48.78%).
Discussion:
It is necessary to strengthen the training of optometrists to improve the processes of identification, care and rehabilitation.
Conclusions:
It is important to prioritize visual impairment in Santander in order to strengthen the health care network.
Keywords : Low vision; Barriers to access to health services; Rehabilitation services; Disability studies, Assistive technology; Professional practice; Optometrists; Health systems.
