Readiness of pharmacists to support medication use among people with visual impairment in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Background People with visual impairment may experience difficulties accessing medication information and managing medications safely, increasing the risk of medication errors. Pharmacists can play an important role in addressing these challenges, yet their readiness to provide accessible medication support in Saudi Arabia remains unclear. This study assessed the readiness of pharmacists to support medication use among people with visual impairment. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among registered pharmacists with direct patient contact in Saudi Arabia between May and August 2026. The questionnaire assessed workplace accessibility resources, awareness of medication-use challenges, current practices, confidence, workplace preparedness, training needs, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics analyses were used to summarize quantitative responses. A mean practice score was calculated, and associated factors were examined using univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses, with unstandardized β coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) reported. Open-ended responses were analyzed using content analysis. Results A total of 254 pharmacists were included. Most recognized that visual impairment increases the risk of medication errors (91.3%) and that inaccessible medication information may adversely affect adherence (80%). Detailed verbal counselling was the most frequently reported supportive practice (66%), whereas providing alternative medication instructions, such as large-print or audio formats, was least frequent (33%). Although 62.6% reported confidence in providing support, only 39.4% considered their workplaces prepared, and 74.4% indicated a need for additional training. The most commonly reported barriers were time and workload pressures (59%), lack of accessible medication-labelling tools (56%), insufficient training (54%), and limited assistive technologies (47%). In adjusted analysis, confidence was associated with higher practice scores (β = 0.15, 95% CI 0.03–0.27; p = 0.011). Conclusion Pharmacists reported high awareness and confidence, but gaps remained in accessibility-specific practices and workplace preparedness. Strengthening pharmacist training, accessible medication-support tools, and organizational preparedness may help address these gaps and inform future pharmacist-led interventions.