Perceptions of eye health and communication preferences: Results of focus groups with Hispanic/Latino adults

The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Eye Health and Disease (KAP) survey, a national survey conducted in English and Spanish by the National Eye Institute (NEI) and Lions Clubs International Foundation, found that, compared with other racial/ethnic groups, Hispanics/Latinos reported the lowest access to eye health information, knew the least about eye health, and were the least likely to have their eyes examined.

Five years after the KAP survey was completed, NEI returned to the field to gather additional information on Hispanics/Latinos' vision health, perceptions about eye exams, and their preferences for receiving health information. Beginning in late 2010 and continuing through the spring of 2011, the NEI National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) facilitated 47 focus groups with Spanish- and English-speaking Hispanics/Latinos in eight cities across the United States.

The presentation will highlight the results of these focus groups, including the high value that Hispanics/Latinos place on their eye sight, misinformation they have about eye conditions, and their most trusted sources of information. Results to date indicate that Hispanics/Latinos are eager to receive more information on eye health and prevention and treatment of eye diseases. Participants' sources of information for health information in general—and eye health in specific—range from television and radio to websites and consumer organizations.

NEI is planning to use the data gathered to enhance the °Ojo con su vision! (Watch out for your vision!) program, which guides NEHEP efforts to reach Hispanics/Latinos.