Mixed Methods Project to Investigate Barriers to Accessing Eye Tests
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mixed Methods Project to Investigate Barriers to Accessing Eye Tests (BAET) to Reduce the Risk of Blindness
IRAS ID
361619
Contact name
Shahina Pardhan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Anglia Ruskin University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
70367, CPMS
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Lay Summary: Understanding why people avoid eye tests
Having regular eye tests is important because it helps detect serious eye conditions like diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration before they cause permanent damage or vision loss. Catching these problems early can lead to better treatment and save people’s sight.
But not everyone is getting their eyes tested regularly. Some groups, especially from different ethnic backgrounds or communities, are less likely to attend eye tests. We don’t fully understand why this is happening.
This project is about listening to people’s experiences and views to understand why some avoid eye tests, and what can be done to help. We want to explore:
Why some people don’t attend eye tests.
Whether people know that early eye tests can stop sight loss.
Whether different groups (like people from different ethnic backgrounds) face different challenges when it comes to accessing eye care.
To do this, we will use two approaches:
Surveys will help us collect broad information from lots of people, including how often they go for eye tests, and what factors might affect their decision, like age, income, or ethnicity.
Interviews and focus groups will allow us to hear people’s personal stories in more detail, including their beliefs, experiences, and any barriers they face.
We’re particularly interested in hearing from communities who are less likely to get eye tests, so we can find out how to make services more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
The results of this project will be used to help improve public health messaging, create more targeted information, and design better services so that more people, especially those currently missing out, get the eye care they need.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/1786
Date of REC Opinion
26 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion