Barriers and Opportunities in Pediatric Ophthalmology: A Cross-sectional Survey among Brazilian Ophthalmologists

Barriers and Opportunities in Pediatric Ophthalmology: A Cross-sectional Survey among Brazilian Ophthalmologists Background : Pediatric ophthalmology is an understudied field in many regions, including Brazil, where barriers to care persist. This study aimed to identify the barriers faced by general ophthalmologists and assess their interest in digital training tools. Methods : A cross-sectional online survey comprising 10 questions was conducted among 496 ophthalmologists affiliated with the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology between September and November 2022. Data on demographics, practice characteristics, barriers to pediatric care, and interest in digital tools were collected and analyzed descriptively. Results : A total of 315 ophthalmologists (63.5%), 73.4% (229/312) of whom had practiced for more than 10 years, completed the survey. Among the respondents, 32.1% (101/315; 95% CI 27.1–37.1%) did not treat children under five years of age, primarily because of insufficient pediatric training or the extended time required for pediatric consultations (78/101; 77.2%; 95% CI 68.4–84.6%). Conversely, 67.9% (214/315; 95% CI 62.8–73.1%) of the respondents reported providing care for children under five years of age. Across all respondents, 87.7% (263/300; 95% CI 83.6–91.0%) expressed interest in an online pediatric ophthalmology training tool, including 92% of those who were already treating children. Conclusions : Brazilian ophthalmologists are strongly interested in the adoption of digital tools to enhance pediatric care. Addressing training gaps through online platforms may expand access to pediatric ophthalmology services, particularly in regions with limited specialist availability.