Preschool Vision Screening and Policy: Availability, Awareness and Perceptions of Stakeholders in Selected Locations in Harare and Mashonaland East Provinces

Background

This study aimed to determine the availability, awareness and perceptions of preschool vision screening (PSVS) and policies among stakeholders in Zimbabwe.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out, and a multi-stage sampling was used to select the schools from private and public schools. The study involved stakeholders (parents/guardians, teachers, principals, proprietors/owners and administrators) and data was collected using a validated questionnaire.

Results

The mean age of the respondents was 36.68 ± 7.84 years. Out of the 213 stakeholders, 83.1% had not heard of PSVS. Among the 36 (16.9%) who had heard of PSVS, 20 (55.6%) were female. Some (1.9%) of the participants had a policy written in their facilities for PSVS. Awareness of PSVS was significantly associated with the respondents' designation and experience with children (p < 0.05). Support for PSVS was high, with 83.1% in favour, although 13.6% were undecided about implementing it. Support for PSVS was high, with 83.1% in favour, although 13.6% were undecided about implementing it in all schools. Overall, 55.9% of the respondents were prepared to consider PSVS as a mandatory part of the admission process.

Conclusion

Few stakeholders are aware of PSVS while majority had a positive perception in Harare and Mashonaland East provinces, and the schools had no written policies on PSVS. The findings of this study should provide a blueprint for stakeholders regarding PSVS.