A recent study by the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) found that 55% of women in Telangana have vision impairment compared to men, due to limited access to eye care facilities. This study examined electronic health records of seven million individuals in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Odisha.
Cultural and socioeconomic factors contribute to the disparities in eye care access for women, especially those in rural areas. Women face barriers such as lack of transportation, financial resources, and social support systems. Despite facing a higher risk of vision impairment and blindness than men, women often do not seek medical attention due to cultural biases and perceived lack of need.
In Telangana, more women than men experience visual impairment. Only 40-42% of women have access to tertiary and high-end eye care facilities, and just 44.5% visit rural eye clinics in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, and Telangana. Optometrists can attract more female patients by locating their services closer to women’s homes. Financial constraints and social isolation often prevent women from seeking necessary eye care.
