Presbyopic Spectacles Correction Coverage and Barriers to Spectacles Uptake in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State

Background: Presbyopic Spectacles Correction Coverage (PSCC) is a measure of presbyopic spectacle utilization in a defined area. Previous studies in Africa and Asia have shown low Met Presbyopic Need and high Unmet Presbyopia Needs with different barriers responsible for these.

Purpose: To determine the rate of presbyopic spectacles utilization and identify barriers to utilization in Chikun LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: One thousand and forty seven (1047) eligible and consenting participants persons aged 35 years and above were examined in 63 clusters using multistage random sampling with probability proportional to size. Visual acuity (distance and near), anterior and posterior segment examinations and near refraction was done for all participants with distance correction in place where applicable. Inability to read N8 (1M) was considered presbyopia. Data was extracted from the presbyopic participants using a pretested questionnaire and the rates were calculated.

Results: A total of 1047 people participated in the study with a mean age of participants 48.2 years ± 8.194 SD and age range of 35 – 87 years. The met need was 24.8%, unmet 60.7% and Presbyopic Spectacles Correction Coverage (PSCC) of 27.8%. The main barriers to presbyopic spectacle utilization and/or ownership were "Unsatisfactory near vision" with available near spectacles (20.3%), "lack of money" (20.2%), "lost or broken spectacles" (18.6%) and "no felt need" (17.8%).

Conclusion: There was a low PSCC in this population unmet spectacle need and poor purchasing power as the main barriers to utilization, there is need for concerted efforts among stakeholders to bridge the gap and meet the refractive needs of the population.