@article {1490437,
	title = {Parent and Teacher Perspectives on Factors Decreasing Participation in School-Based Vision Programs},
	journal = {Ophthalmic Epidemiol},
	volume = {27},
	number = {3},
	year = {2020},
	month = {2020 Jun},
	pages = {226-236},
	abstract = {: To examine factors decreasing participation in school-based vision programs from parent and teacher perspectives.: We conducted 41 semi-structured focus groups (20 parent groups, 21 teacher/staff groups), at 10 Baltimore and 11 Chicago public elementary and middle schools offering school-based vision programs. School-based vision programs provided vision screening, eye exams, and eyeglasses if needed. Focus groups ranged in size from 2-9 participants (median\&nbsp;=\&nbsp;5). Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and coded through an iterative process to develop themes using inductive analysis.: Ninety parents and 117 teachers/staff participated. Participants identified five major factors decreasing participation in school-based vision programs: (1) challenges with the consent form, including distribution, collection, and literacy and language barriers; (2) having existing eye care; (3) misunderstandings about the program, especially related to cost and insurance; (4) difficulty raising parental awareness of the program; and (5) certain attitudes towards vision, eye care, and school-based programs, including low prioritization of eye care, mistrust of the program, fear of sharing private information, not believing their child needs glasses, and reluctance accepting {\textquoteright}subsidized{\textquoteright} services.: Parents and teachers identified important structural barriers to participation (i.e., consent form challenges and low parental awareness) and specific reasons for non-participation (i.e., attitudes, misunderstanding of the program, existing eye care) in school-based vision programs. Effective strategies are needed to facilitate return of consent forms and promote awareness of school-based vision programs among parents. Programs should also target services towards those currently without access to eye care and increase awareness about paediatric vision needs.},
	issn = {1744-5086},
	doi = {10.1080/09286586.2020.1730910},
	author = {Vongsachang, Hursuong and Friedman, D S and Inns, A and Kretz, A M and Mukherjee, M R and Callan, J and Wahl, M and Repka, M X and Collins, M E}
}
