Improving the reporting on health equity in observational research (STROBE-Equity): extension checklist and elaboration.

Data on health equity to inform societally relevant evidence based decisions and policy making are lacking in the research literature. Observational studies have the potential to provide data on health equity. Yet, guidance on how to report health equity data and considerations in observational research is inadequate.

Improving the Reporting on Health Equity in Observational Research (STROBE-Equity): Extension Checklist and Elaboration.

Importance: Observational studies can provide valuable insights to inform decisions on health equity. Existing guidelines for reporting such studies, such as the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement, currently lack specific considerations for reporting on health equity. Health equity is defined as the absence of avoidable and unfair differences that may exist across individuals and populations due to structural and systematic inequities in living and working conditions, opportunities, and resources.

Effective refractive error coverage in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of updated estimates from population-based surveys in 76 countries modelling the path towards the 2030 global target.

Background: In 2024, WHO included effective refractive error coverage (eREC) into the results framework of the 14th General Programme of Work, which sets a road map for global health and guides WHO's work between 2025 and 2028. eREC is a measure of both the availability and quality of refractive correction in a population. This study aimed to model global and regional estimates of eREC as of 2023 and evaluate progress towards the WHO global target of a 40 percentage-point absolute increase in eREC by 2030.

A baseline audit of the population groups accessing optometry training clinics in Aotearoa New Zealand: looking towards equity in eye care.

Clinical Relevance: To improve equity in eye care, optometry training clinics should be accessible to all population groups so that future optometrists develop skills working with different population groups.

Background: In the 2019 , the World Health Organization highlighted a need to improve access to eye care globally. In Aotearoa New Zealand, a renewed focus on equity followed the 2022 health system reform.

Measures of diabetic retinopathy treatment coverage: protocol for a methodological review.

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of vision impairment globally. Alongside the systemic control of diabetes and timely detection of diabetic retinopathy, the prompt initiation and completion of treatment is essential to prevent vision loss. Routine monitoring of access to retinal screening services for the detection of diabetic retinopathy is common, while monitoring of coverage of subsequent treatment services is far less common.

Vision impairment and differential access to eye health services in Aotearoa New Zealand: a scoping review.

Introduction: In Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori and Pacific People experience worse health outcomes compared with other New Zealanders. No population-based eye health survey has been conducted, and eye health services do not generate routine monitoring reports, so the extent of eye health inequality is unknown. This information is required to plan equitable eye health services.

Inequities in glaucoma research: an analysis of Cochrane systematic reviews and randomized trials.

Objectives: To understand the level of equity considerations within Cochrane systematic reviews (CSR) on glaucoma and their primary studies.

Methods: A review of equity considerations in systematic reviews on glaucoma published in The Cochrane Library from inception (2003) to January 31, 2024 and a sample of recently published primary studies included in those reviews (n = 122). Extraction was performed by two independent reviewers using a prepiloted extraction form based on a validated, contemporary, structured equity framework.

Protocol for an adaptive platform trial of intended service user-derived interventions to equitably reduce non-attendance in eye screening programmes in Botswana, India, Kenya and Nepal.

Introduction: Only 30%-50% of people referred to clinics during community-based eye screening are able to access care in Botswana, India, Kenya and Nepal. The access rate is even lower for certain population groups. This platform trial aims to test multiple, iterative, low-risk public health interventions and simple service modifications with a series of individual randomised controlled trials (RCT) conducted in each country, with the aim of increasing the proportion of people attending.

Barriers and enablers of access to diabetes eye care in Auckland, New Zealand: a qualitative study.

Objective: To explore the barriers and enablers to accessing diabetes eye care services among adults in Auckland.

Design: This was a qualitative study that used semistructured interviews. We performed a thematic analysis and described the main barriers and enablers to accessing services using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Identifying barriers and potential solutions to improve equitable access to community eye services: an exploratory sequential mixed methods study protocol.

Introduction: Access to care varies by sociodemographic group, with some groups facing higher barriers to care than others. This study will use novel methods to explore barriers and potential solutions as perceived by members of the population groups who are least able to access care. We aim to use rapid yet robust mixed methods that allow us to identify generalisable findings within each programme and testable service modifications to improve equitable access to care; delivering non-tokenistic findings within a matter of weeks.

Access to community-based eye services in Meru, Kenya: a cross-sectional equity analysis.

Background: Over 80% of blindness in Kenya is due to curable or preventable causes and 7.5 m Kenyans currently need eye services. Embedding sociodemographic data collection into screening programmes could help identify the groups facing systematic barriers to care.

Research about eye health and eye health services in Pacific Island Countries and Territories: a scoping review.

Background: We aimed to summarise the extent and nature of published research about eye health and eye health services in Pacific Island Countries and Territories since 1980.

Methods: We searched Medline, EMBASE, Global Health and Cochrane Library to identify publications about eye health and eye health services in 22 Pacific Island Countries and Territories from 1 January 1980 to 26 January 2024. Study selection and data extraction were conducted by two reviewers independently.

Underserved groups could be better considered within population-based eye health surveys: a methodological study.

Objectives: In pursuit of health equity, the World Health Organization has recently called for more extensive monitoring of inequalities in eye health. Population-based eye health surveys can provide this information, but whether underserved groups are considered in the design, implementation, and reporting of surveys is unknown. We conducted a systematic methodological review of surveys published since 2000 to examine how many population-based eye health surveys have considered underserved groups in their design, implementation, or reporting.

Strategies to address inequity of uncorrected refractive error in the Western Pacific: A modified Delphi process.

Purpose: Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of vision impairment globally; however, little attention has been given to equity and access to services. This study aimed to identify and prioritise: (1) strategies to address inequity of access to refractive error services and (2) population groups to target with these strategies in five sub-regions within the Western Pacific.

Methods: We invited eye care professionals to complete a two-round online prioritisation process.

The Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness survey: Review of the methodology and protocol for the seventh version (RAAB7).

The Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) is a population-based cross-sectional survey methodology used to collect data on the prevalence of vision impairment and its causes and eye care service indicators among the population 50 years and older. RAAB has been used for over 20 years with modifications to the protocol over time reflected in changing version numbers; this paper describes the latest version of the methodology-RAAB7. RAAB7 is a collaborative project between the International Centre for Eye Health and Peek Vision with guidance from a steering group of global eye health stakeholders.

How have services for diabetes, eye, hearing and foot health been integrated for adults? Protocol for a scoping review.

Introduction: The global population is ageing, and by 2050, there will be almost 2.1 billion people over the age of 60 years. This ageing population means conditions such as diabetes are on the increase, as well as other conditions associated with ageing (and/or diabetes), including those that cause vision impairment, hearing impairment or foot problems.

What is the coverage of retina screening services for people with diabetes? Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision impairment globally. Vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can generally be prevented by early detection and timely treatment. The WHO included a measure of service access for diabetic retinopathy as a core indicator in the Eye Care Indicator Menu launched in 2022: .

Use of the CONSIDER statement by eye health researchers when conducting and reporting research involving Indigenous peoples: an online survey.

Background: Indigenous peoples experience worse eye health compared to non-Indigenous peoples. Service providers and researchers must avoid perpetuating this inequity. To help achieve this, researchers can use the CONSolIDated critERia for strengthening the reporting of health research involving Indigenous peoples (CONSIDER) statement.

Access to eye care among adults from an underserved community in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Clinical Relevance: In all countries, there are population groups that are underserved by eye health services. By exploring access to eye care for these communities, optometrists and other eye care providers can promote equitable access to quality eye care, including strengthening patient relationships, and championing inclusive, people-centred services.

Background: New Zealand has very few policies to enable access to primary eye health services.

Travel time to cataract surgical services in Kenya, Malawi and Rwanda: demonstrating a standardised indicator of physical access to cataract surgery.

Background: Travel time can be used to assess health services accessibility by reflecting the proximity of services to the people they serve. We aimed to demonstrate an indicator of physical access to cataract surgery and identify subnational locations where people were more at risk of not accessing cataract surgery.

Methods: We used an open-access inventory of public health facilities plus key informants in Kenya, Malawi and Rwanda to compile a geocoded inventory of cataract facilities.

Clinical indicators for diabetic eyecare delivered by optometrists in Australia: a Delphi study.

Clinical Relevance: Valid and updated clinical indicators can serve as important tools in assessing and improving eyecare delivery.

Background: Indicators for diabetic eyecare in Australia were previously developed from guidelines published before 2013 and then used to assess the appropriateness of care delivery through a nationwide patient record card audit (the iCareTrack study). To reflect emerging evidence and contemporary practice, this study aimed to update clinical indicators for optometric care for people with type 2 diabetes in Australia.

Associations between vision impairment and vision-related interventions on crash risk and driving cessation: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To systematically investigate the associations between vision impairment and risk of motor vehicle crash (MVC) involvement, and evaluate vision-related interventions to reduce MVCs.

Design: Medline (Ovid), EMBASE and Global Health electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to March 2022 for observational and interventional English-language studies. Screening, data extraction and appraisals using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools were completed by two reviewers independently.

Rapid methods for identifying barriers and solutions to improve access to community health services: a scoping review.

Background: The advancement of universal health coverage (UHC) is largely based on identifying and addressing barriers to accessing community health services. Traditional qualitative research approaches provide excellent insights but have unfeasibly high resource requirements for most care providers.

Aim: To identify, categorise, and evaluate methods that have been used to identify barriers to and/or solutions for improving access to community-based health services, grounded in engagement with affected communities, excluding approaches that take >14 days.

Primary eye health services for older adults as a component of universal health coverage: a scoping review of evidence from high income countries.

Unlabelled: In pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for eye health, countries must strengthen services for older adults, who experience the highest prevalence of eye conditions. This scoping review narratively summarised (i) primary eye health services for older adults in eleven high-income countries/territories (from government websites), and (ii) the evidence that eye health services reduced vision impairment and/or provided UHC (access, quality, equity, or financial protection) (from a systematic literature search). We identified 76 services, commonly comprehensive eye examinations ± refractive error correction.