Abstract

Objective:
This study aimed to document the prevalence and categories of obstacles to eye care experienced by participants and to evaluate how patient characteristics relate to self-reported obstacles to receiving eye care in Makkah.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2024 among 516 participants in Makkah City using a validated online survey. All residents of Makkah City, including both Saudi and non-Saudi individuals, aged above 18 years were included. Those who declined to contribute to the survey were excluded.
Results:
The study sample included 516 parents, out of which 55.4% were females and 44.6% were males. Almost a fifth of study population never had a visit to an eye clinic. Far and short eyesight problems were the most common causes of visits. The most common reported barrier was medical cost (N=188), followed by difficulty getting an appointment (N=163), and not having medical insurance (N=123). Multiple factors were associated with visiting an eye care clinic. Age was significantly associated with eye care clinic visits (p-value

Key words: Prevalence, characteristics, barriers, eye care, Saudi Arabia.