Improving Vision Care in America's High Risk, Underserved, and Vulnerable Populations: Understanding Barriers and Increasing Access to Eye Care Services through Community - Based Interventions and Evidence - Based Recommendations

Anthony Kamalu

Abstract: The number of individuals living with chronic vision impairment or blindness in the United States is continuously growing with at least six million Americans currently affected [28]. This paper addresses the concerning issue of limited access to vision care in underserved communities in the United States, identifies and explores the barriers that hinder accessibility to eye care services among this population, and seeks to promote vision care and enhance access to eye care services in those areas through community - based interventions and evidence - based recommendations. The paper also suggests ways to promote equity in vision care.

Keywords: eye care access, the underserved, vision care barriers, eye care disparity, community - based interventions