Barriers to Sight: Understanding Social and Economic Influences on Pediatric Eye Health

Additional Authors

Muhammad Elahi, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN Jodi L. Southerland, DrPH, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, East Tennessee State University, College of Public Health, Johnson City, TN Hamza Jalal, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO Emily Kim, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center—Hamilton Eye Institute, Memphis, TN Fabliha A. Mukit, MD, Department of Ophthalmic Pathology, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA Brent Aebi, MD—Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN Shiva Bohn, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center—Hamilton Eye Institute, Memphis, TN Brian Fowler, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center—Hamilton Eye Institute, Memphis, TN Monica Jablonski, PhD, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center—Hamilton Eye Institute, Memphis, TN Siamak Yousefi, PhD, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN David Wood, MD, MPH—Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

Abstract

Background: Pediatric eye disease and blindness have lifelong implications for child development, education, career opportunities, healthcare costs, and family well-being. Social determinants of health (SDOH) influence disease incidence, diagnosis, and treatment. This study is part of Emory University’s Break the Cycle of Health Disparities initiative, examining socioeconomic barriers to pediatric eye health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using de-identified data from the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) (n = 54,103). The dependent variable was unresolved vision problems, including blindness and eye disease, excluding common refractive errors. Independent variables included age, sex, race/ethnicity, family structure, poverty, adult education, insurance type, adequacy of insurance benefits, financial hardship, neighborhood safety, and vision screenings. Logistic regression models assessed associations. Results: Vision problems were significantly associated with prior vision screenings (aOR: 1.76, p<0.001), ages 6-11 (aOR: 3.10, p<0.001), ages 12-17 (aOR: 3.76, p<0.001), Hispanic ethnicity (aOR: 1.15, p=0.022), and financial hardship (aOR: 1.76, p<0.001). Protective factors included living in a safe neighborhood (aOR: 0.73, p<0.001) and private versus public insurance (aOR: 0.68, p<0.001). Conclusions: Pediatric blindness and eye disease are influenced by SDOH, including screenings, race, poverty, and neighborhood safety. Since approximately 40% of childhood blindness is preventable, addressing disparities that hinder access to proper eye care is critical. Policy efforts should focus on reducing financial and structural barriers to pediatric vision health services. Keywords: Pediatric eye health, social determinants of health, childhood blindness, vision disparities, socioeconomic factors

Start Time

16-4-2025 11:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 12:00 PM

Room Number

311

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

Grad/Comp Orals

Presentation Category

Health

Faculty Mentor

Shimin Zheng

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Apr 16th, 11:00 AM Apr 16th, 12:00 PM

Barriers to Sight: Understanding Social and Economic Influences on Pediatric Eye Health

311

Background: Pediatric eye disease and blindness have lifelong implications for child development, education, career opportunities, healthcare costs, and family well-being. Social determinants of health (SDOH) influence disease incidence, diagnosis, and treatment. This study is part of Emory University’s Break the Cycle of Health Disparities initiative, examining socioeconomic barriers to pediatric eye health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using de-identified data from the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) (n = 54,103). The dependent variable was unresolved vision problems, including blindness and eye disease, excluding common refractive errors. Independent variables included age, sex, race/ethnicity, family structure, poverty, adult education, insurance type, adequacy of insurance benefits, financial hardship, neighborhood safety, and vision screenings. Logistic regression models assessed associations. Results: Vision problems were significantly associated with prior vision screenings (aOR: 1.76, p<0.001), ages 6-11 (aOR: 3.10, p<0.001), ages 12-17 (aOR: 3.76, p<0.001), Hispanic ethnicity (aOR: 1.15, p=0.022), and financial hardship (aOR: 1.76, p<0.001). Protective factors included living in a safe neighborhood (aOR: 0.73, p<0.001) and private versus public insurance (aOR: 0.68, p<0.001). Conclusions: Pediatric blindness and eye disease are influenced by SDOH, including screenings, race, poverty, and neighborhood safety. Since approximately 40% of childhood blindness is preventable, addressing disparities that hinder access to proper eye care is critical. Policy efforts should focus on reducing financial and structural barriers to pediatric vision health services. Keywords: Pediatric eye health, social determinants of health, childhood blindness, vision disparities, socioeconomic factors