ABSTRACT

Eye care seeking behaviour plays a critical role in addressing preventable vision loss and maintaining visual health, yet significant gaps exist in utilization, particularly in Nigeria. This study investigates the factors influencing eye care seeking behavior, the level of awareness about eye care delivery, and the barriers to accessing services among the staff of the University of Benin. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 371 staff members of the University of Benin with mean age of 43.21 ± 11.24 years. Participants were surveyed on factors influencing their eye care seeking behaviour, awareness of available eye care services, and barriers to accessing care. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. The study revealed that gender significantly influenced eye care seeking behavior, with female staff members reporting more frequent eye examinations compared to males (p < 0.05). Health financing, particularly through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), was a major enabler for seeking eye care, while financial constraints and out-of-pocket expenditures deterred access. Although awareness of the importance of regular eye examinations was high (78.4%), knowledge of recommended examination frequency was limited. The most significant barriers identified were work-related commitments (73.1%), financial constraints (60.6%), and fear of diagnosis or treatment (70.7%). Cultural preferences for traditional remedies also discouraged professional eye care utilization among some participants. The findings highlight that while awareness of eye care is relatively high, several factors, including financial constraints and cultural beliefs, hinder effective utilization of services. Targeted interventions such as workplace eye health programs, enhanced NHIS coverage, and culturally sensitive educational campaigns are recommended to improve eye care seeking behavior and access among university staff.