Visual Health and Visual Healthcare Access in Refugees and Displaced Persons: A Systematic Review

J Immigr Minor Health. 2019 Feb;21(1):161-174. doi: 10.1007/s10903-018-0766-x.

Abstract

Vision impairment is a significant global health concern. Still, there remains a gap in our knowledge of visual health in refugees. We conducted a systematic review of the distinctive eye care needs of refugees. We screened PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science through February 17, 2017 for studies that focused primarily on visual health in refugees. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tools. 26 studies were included in the final review. The prevalence of blindness ranged from 1.3 to 26.2%. Trachoma was the leading infectious cause. Only four studies assessed vision-related care. Time/location of displacement, social unrest, and sanitation impacted severity of eye disease. Refugees have unique eye care needs. Public health interventions should target eye care at every stage of displacement. Providers may use these results to inform future research and improve visual healthcare access in refugee groups.

Keywords: Blindness refugee; Refugee eye care; Vision displaced persons; Vision refugees.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Blindness / epidemiology
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Needs Assessment / organization & administration*
  • Refugees / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sanitation / standards
  • Time Factors
  • Trachoma / epidemiology
  • Vision Disorders / epidemiology*