Issue of Access to Eye Care in Côte d'Ivoire: The Case of Koumassi General Hospital in Abidjan

Background: Many individuals continue to face difficulties or insufficient access to eye care, leading to a potential risk of blindness.The objective of our study was to identify the factors that may limit patients' access to eye care at Koumassi General Hospital. Methodology:This was a prospective cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim, conducted from 2 September to 1 November 2024 in the ophthalmology department of Koumassi General Hospital in Abidjan.All patients aged 18 years and above who attended a consultation and provided verbal consent were included in the study.Patients were interviewed using a structured guide.The parameters studied included patients' sociodemographic data, appointment waiting times, and consultation waiting times.The difficulties encountered by patients during their consultation journey and their overall level of satisfaction were also assessed. Results:The most common age group among patients was 51 to 61 years (42%).The majority of patients were employed in the informal sector (42%).To obtain a consultation appointment, 42% of patients waited more than seven days, and 34% experienced waiting times exceeding two hours.Regarding these delays, 90% of patients considered the consultation waiting time unreasonable, as did 64% who found the appointment waiting time excessive.The main challenge faced during consultations was a lack of communication from practitioners.At the end of the consultation, only 10% of patients were fully satisfied. Conclusion:This study revealed that factors influencing access to eye care at Koumassi General Hospital included slow consultations, a lack of information, and external constraints.These challenges are similar to those observed in other contexts across Africa and even globally.These findings highlight the need for organisational reform and increased awareness of eye care to improve healthcare coverage and contribute to reducing preventable blindness.