An exploration of community eyecare for children
24 November 2020
Dear optometrists,
RE: An exploration of community eyecare for children: identifying barriers and enablers using a grounded theory approach.
We would like to invite you to take part in a research study that is being conducted at City, University of London. It is up to you whether you would like to take part or not.
What is the purpose of the study?
There is literature that suggests that there is a gap in the accessibility of primary eyecare for young children (< 5 years of age). As good vision from both eyes is essential for a child’s visual, educational and, social development; therefore, they must have the opportunity of getting their eyes examined. Although there is some research around examining young children, there currently is no information to date on how optometrists feel when examining young children in community practices. There is a need for a better understanding, and this research aims to identify current issues that arise when examining young children in primary care and the corresponding ideas to help solve the current issues being experienced. This research will, therefore, help improve the current approach to examining young children for future practitioners.
Who is eligible to participate?
Registered optometrist practising in England who work in a multiple or independent setting
3 interactive CET points for participation.
What will happen if I take part?
This research study will be conducted using video conferencing (Microsoft Teams) to allow a focus group discussion to take place at a time that is convenient for everyone. Only an audio recording will be taken, and the discussion will last up to 90 minutes. After the receipt of the consent form, only the demographic questionnaire and a poll for a date for the focus group will be posted or emailed over to you. With your permission, you will be informed of when the focus group will take place online.
What to do next.
Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary, and if you do not wish to participate, it will not affect you. All information provided will be kept confidential and anonymised. If you do meet the inclusion criteria mentioned above and if you would like to take part, please contact the principal researcher via email at Salma.Ahmad.1@city.ac.uk. If after one week if there is no response, the researcher will understand this as you have decided not to participate in the study.
Thank you for your time and any contribution you make to this study.
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