Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42533050›Full record

ArticleEye (London, England)2026

Barriers to access to ophthalmology services in Latin America: A Scoping review.

Juan Camilo Tobo Hernandez, Juan Nicolás Álvarez Tovar, Maria Alejandra Ramírez Cruz, Maria Alejandra Olivares Manrique, Erwin Hernando Hernández Rincón

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in Eye (London, England), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Juan Camilo Tobo HernandezUniversidad de La Sabana, Chía, Colombia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2767-6954
Juan Nicolás Álvarez TovarUniversidad de La Sabana, Chía, Colombia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0006-9933-6007
Maria Alejandra Ramírez CruzUniversidad de La Sabana, Chía, Colombia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0001-7745-0742
Maria Alejandra Olivares ManriqueUniversidad de La Sabana, Chía, Colombia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0001-0804-4222
Erwin Hernando Hernández RincónUniversidad de La Sabana, Chía, Colombia. erwinhr@unisabana.edu.co.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7189-5863

Funding

Universidad de La Sabana (University of La Sabana) MED-341-2023 project (Telehealth in Colombia)Universidad de La Sabana (University of La Sabana) Proyecto MED-341-2023
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Visual impairment is a global public health priority because of its high prevalence and impact on quality of life. In Latin America, access to ophthalmologic care is limited by multiple barriers that especially affect vulnerable populations and hinder the timely detection and management of preventable visual diseases. This scoping review aimed to describe the available evidence on the barriers affecting access to ophthalmology services in Latin America. In accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, a search was conducted in four scientific databases (PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science), including studies published between January 2010 and June 2025 that addressed barriers to accessing ophthalmology services in Latin America and excluding those focused on other regions of the world. Sixty-eight studies were included, with the main barriers identified being structural, geographic, economic, sociocultural, technological, and health system barriers. Among the strategies implemented to improve access, teleophthalmology, mobile brigades, educational campaigns, and the strengthening of primary care stand out, although significant inequalities persist between regions and population groups. Access to ophthalmologic care in Latin America continues to be affected by multiple barriers that especially affect the most vulnerable populations. Although progress has been made through various strategies, it is necessary to strengthen the integration of services, invest in human and technological resources, and prioritise equity to advance toward universal and effective eye care coverage in the region.

Indexed as

Health Services AccessibilityOphthalmologyHealthcare DisparitiesHumansLatin America

Identifiers

PMID42533050
PMCPMC13601618

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.