Patients' Awareness Regarding Eye Care at Community Vision Center in Bangladesh

Background: Visual impairment is a critical public health challenge, with significant burdens in Bangladesh exacerbated by an urban-rural disparity in eye care resources. The establishment of Community Vision Centers (CVCs) aims to decentralize and improve access to primary eye care. However, the success of this initiative is contingent on patients' awareness and health-seeking behavior. This study assessed the level and determinants of eye care awareness among patients utilizing CVCs in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2023 to October 2024 at two CVCs in the Dhaka and Rangpur divisions. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 165 patients were selected. Data were collected via a validated, interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Awareness was assessed using a 10-item Likert scale and categorized into low, moderate, and high levels. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation analyses. Results: The mean age of participants was 41.61 (±15.64) years, with a majority being female (55.8%), rural residents (68.5%), and having moderate income. Overall, 54.5% of patients had high awareness and 45.5% had moderate awareness; no patients had low awareness. However, critical knowledge gaps were identified: 78.2% had no prior knowledge of eye care, 64.8% were unaware of the CVC before their visit, and 62.4% were unaware that diabetes and hypertension increase eye disease risk. Awareness was significantly higher among younger, more educated, urban, and higher-income patients (p<0.05). Prior knowledge of eye care and information about the CVC were also strong predictors of higher awareness scores (p<0.001). Conclusion: While aggregate awareness levels were moderate to high, significant socio-economic disparities and specific knowledge deficits persist. The CVC model is well-received but requires integrated, targeted public health education campaigns focused on vulnerable populations to address awareness gaps and maximize utilization.