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Vision loss is a public health challenge adversely affecting over a billion people worldwide. Low and middle income countries (LMICs) have a disproportionately higher prevalence of vision loss compared to high-income countries. Over 80% of vision loss can be addressed with either spectacles or cataract surgery. Both of these interventions are low cost and cost effective. Despite this, several barriers prevent individuals from accessing eye care.

This paper covers various elements of access (approachability, acceptability, affordability, availability and appropriateness) and presents barriers that prevent access to eye care services in LMICs. Disease-specific barriers and various models and strategies that address the accessibility challenges are presented with a special reference to the use of technology to improve access.

Strategies such as providing free eye care, lowering …