Optometrists working in community settings were invited to participate in virtual focus group discussions using an online platform based on a topic guide. The discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Themes were derived from the focus group data based on the study aim and research question.
Thirty optometrists participated in the focus group discussions. The overarching themes identified as barriers to eye examinations for young children in a community setting were as follows: \'Time and Money\', \'Knowledge, Skills and Confidence\', \'Awareness and Communication\', \'Range of Attitudes\' and \'Clinical Setting\'. The key themes for enabling eye examinations for young children were as follows: \'Improving behaviour\', \'Enhancing training and education\', \'Enhancing eye care services\', \'Raising awareness\', \'Changes in professional bodies\' and \'Balancing commercial pressures and health care\'.
Time, money, training and equipment are perceived by optometrists as key factors in providing an eye examination for a young child. This study identified a need for improved training and robust governance related to eye examinations for young children. There is a need for change within eye care service delivery such that all children, regardless of age and ability, are examined regularly, and by conducting these examinations, optometrists remain confident.
方法:在社区环境中工作的验光师被邀请使用基于主题指南的在线平台参加虚拟焦点小组讨论。讨论是录音的,转录和主题分析。主题是根据研究目的和研究问题从焦点小组数据中得出的。
结果:30名验光师参加了焦点小组讨论。在社区环境中,被认为是幼儿眼科检查障碍的首要主题如下:“时间和金钱”,\'知识,技能和信心,\'意识和沟通\',“态度范围”和“临床设置”。为幼儿进行眼科检查的关键主题如下:“改善行为”,“加强培训和教育”,\'加强眼部护理服务\',\'提高认识\',“专业机构的变化”和“平衡商业压力和医疗保健”。
结论:时间,钱,视光师认为训练和设备是为幼儿提供眼科检查的关键因素。这项研究确定了需要改进与幼儿眼科检查相关的培训和强有力的治理。需要改变眼部护理服务的交付方式,以便所有儿童,不管年龄和能力,定期检查,通过进行这些检查,验光师仍然充满信心。