Review of the Disparities in Access to Pediatric Eye Care Among Low Socioeconomic Status and Underrepresented Racial Minority Groups Exacerbated by the Economic Downturn in Pediatric Ophthalmology

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the association between race and socioeconomic status on health disparities in pediatric eye care, characterize the status of diversity within the pediatric ophthalmology workforce, and propose potential solutions to improve access to vision care, particularly for children from vulnerable populations. Methods: The major studies examining the socioeconomic and racial disparities in visual outcomes and the impact of diversity in the ophthalmology workforce were reviewed. Results: Currently, the pediatric ophthalmology workforce has limited racial diversity, and increasing the number of underrepresented in medicine providers has potential to improve access to pediatric eye care, particularly for underserved populations. Mobile eye clinics, school-based vision programs, and health literacy initiatives may engage communities to bring eye care directly to children and enhance follow-up. Conclusions: Families with lower socioeconomic status may represent a vulnerable population facing significant access to pediatric eye care barriers, particularly for asymptomatic pediatric eye conditions. Emphasis on strategies that directly engage communities and bring free vision care to families should be given to improve disparities in visual health outcomes. Ophthalmologists and pediatric ophthalmologists should be aware of the current racial underrepresentation within the pediatric ophthalmology workforce, and the importance of workforce diversity in accelerating physician–patient concordance and access to eye care. [ J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus . 2024;61(3):172–178.]