Abstract

This study examined the determinants of eye care service utilization in the Abura Asebu–Kwamankese District. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed to assess access to and use of eye care services among residents. Using simple random sampling, 701 respondents were selected from a population of 117,185 across all communities in the district. Data were collected through a structured, self-designed questionnaire measured on a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings revealed a significant lack of essential eye care services, including those provided by ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses, opticians, and general practitioners. In addition, several barriers to service utilization were identified, including limited awareness of eye health, inadequate understanding of the impact of visual impairment on daily functioning, low educational levels, and delayed health-seeking behaviour. These factors contributed to underutilization of eye care services and poor management of eye conditions. The study concludes that strengthening eye care utilization requires targeted investment in infrastructure, workforce development, and community-based health education. It recommends that the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of eye care services to improve visual health outcomes in the district.