Perspectives of those with lived and professional experience on vision rehabilitation and related supports in Ghana: a descriptive qualitative study

Background Approximately 90% of people with unaddressed vision impairment or blindness live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Ghana. While access to vision rehabilitation, education, assistive devices, eye care services and government-supported programs can improve independence and social inclusion of people with visual impairment (PVI), research seldom documents how these individuals navigate such supports in real life. This study explored the perspectives of PVI, optometrists (OD), and rehabilitation practitioners and educators (R&E) on vision rehabilitation and associated support structures for PVI in Ghana. Methods Using a descriptive qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants, namely 4 PVI, 3 R&E, and 3 OD. Participants were purposively sampled across three stakeholder groups. PVI were recruited through circulation of the study invitation by the Ghana Blind Union and participant referrals, optometrists through the first author’s professional network, and R&E participants through snowball sampling between November 2024 and March 2025. A semi-structured interview guide was adapted from prior research. All interviews were conducted via Zoom, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically in MAXQDA. Results Inductive thematic analysis led to the development of seven themes, namely: Resources as a pathway to independence, Living with fragmented support, Knowledge barriers in accessing support, Compromised safety, Financial and structural burden of visual disability, Stigma and social exclusion, and Call for reform. From participants’ responses, vocational training, peer networks, inclusive education, and free assistive devices were perceived as beneficial, whereas barriers including inconsistent service provision, environmental inaccessibility, poor public awareness, and perceived gaps in the implementation of disability policies were reported. Conclusion The findings point to a gap between the resources available to support PVI and the barriers that may limit their access. When considered alongside previous research, closing this gap may involve the Government of Ghana prioritising the integration of vision rehabilitation into the eye care system, increasing public awareness, expanding support systems, and reinforcing the implementation of disability policies, in close collaboration with PVI and the professionals who support them, to promote the well-being of PVI.