The state of eye care and health among Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Abstract

Many Indigenous Peoples are at risk of poor eye health outcomes due to the various financial, social, geographic, and cultural barriers faced when accessing care. Available literature indicates Indigenous populations across Canada suffer greater rates of eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, and untreated refractive error, as well as their associated complications. However, many gaps within the current state of knowledge exist. Here, we review the available literature regarding the prevalence of eye disease among Indigenous populations in Canada, as well as previously trialed models of eye care delivery. Various models have been attempted to increase access to eye care for Indigenous communities, although several are focused on screening for diabetic retinopathy in northern populations, with many Indigenous Peoples remaining at risk for poor eye health and permanent vision loss. Failing to address the eye care needs of Indigenous communities will hinder the development of adequate solutions, leading to profound inequities, poor eye health outcomes, and greater vision loss among this population. Future research should seek to understand the root causes of why Indigenous communities have high rates of diabetes and associated ocular complications, including the roles of discrimination, colonialism, and mistrust toward the health care system.