A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies

Research Studies Project Report (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2023

This research study focuses on Cambodia's pediatric eye care system. It examines the barriers and enablers affecting children's access to eye care from both the demand and supply sides. The findings showed that the parents gave girls more preferential treatment than boys when accessing eye care services, indicating a shift from traditional gender discrimination patterns. However, this shift has created new gender issues that must be addressed. Similarly, many demand-side barriers impacted the quality of services for which programs such as Outreach and Vision Centers were introduced. The study also highlighted the supply-side barriers and enablers in Cambodia's pediatric eye care system. The weak system caused the supply-side barriers, which increased the inaccessibility of eye care services among children when combined with the demand side barriers. To address these barriers, the study recommended developing gender sensitive eye care programs that consider the unique needs and challenges boys and girls face in accessing eye care services. Additionally, the study suggested improving the infrastructure, equipment, and training of eye care providers and increasing the availability of eye care services in rural and remote areas. The study also identified some enablers, such as awareness and information programs, strengthening of infrastructures, policies, funding, and the potential for School and Community Outreach programs to be included in the National Policy for Blindness Prevention in the long term. However, the enablers were less prevalent than the barriers, indicating that more efforts are needed to promote gender-sensitive care in Cambodia's pediatric eye care system. This research study provides valuable insights into the specific barriers and enablers in Cambodia's eye care system. Addressing these barriers and providing gender-sensitive care will ensure that every child, regardless of gender, has access to quality eye care services. By adopting a gender-sensitive approach, Cambodia can improve the quality and accessibility of eye care services for all children.