Preschool Vision Screening and Policy: Availability, Awareness and Perceptions of Stakeholders in Selected Locations in Harare and Mashonaland East Provinces

Background: This study aimed to determine the availability, awareness and perceptions of preschool vision screening (PSVS) and policies among stakeholders in Zimbabwe. 

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out, and a multi-stage sampling was used to select the schools from private and public schools. The study involved stakeholders (parents/guardians, teachers, principals, proprietors/owners and administrators) and data was collected using a validated questionnaire. 

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 36.68 ± 7.84 years. Out of the 213 stakeholders, 83.1% had not heard of PSVS. Among the 36 (16.9%) who had heard of PSVS, 20 (55.6%) were female. Some (1.9%) of the participants had a policy written in their facilities for PSVS. Awareness of PSVS was significantly associated with the respondents' designation and experience with children (p < 0.05). Support for PSVS was high, with 83.1% in favour, although 13.6% were undecided about implementing it. Support for PSVS was high, with 83.1% in favour, although 13.6% were undecided about implementing it in all schools. Overall, 55.9% of the respondents were prepared to consider PSVS as a mandatory part of the admission process. 

Conclusion: Few stakeholders are aware of PSVS while majority had a positive perception in Harare and Mashonaland East provinces, and the schools had no written policies on PSVS. The findings of this study should provide a blueprint for stakeholders regarding PSVS.