# Pharmaceutical Services for Visually Impaired Patients: Views and Challenges Perceived by Pharmacists and Patients in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia

## TL;DR

This study examines challenges faced by pharmacists and visually impaired patients in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for better training and accessibility tools in pharmacies.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into the perspectives of both pharmacists and visually impaired patients to identify gaps in pharmaceutical care.

## Key findings

- Most pharmacists lacked formal training in VI care and relied on caregivers for communication.
- Visually impaired patients reported difficulties reading medication labels and accessing pharmacies.
- Participants emphasized the need for improved accessibility tools and communication support.

## Abstract

Background: Visual impairment (VI) describes decreased visual function that interferes with an individual’s ability to perform daily activities, such as reading, driving, and other executive tasks. Providing optimal pharmaceutical care for this population can be challenging for pharmacists, as individuals with VI face numerous obstacles in managing their medications. This study explores the challenges experienced by pharmacists and visually impaired patients and aims to compare their points of view to identify existing gaps and propose recommendations to optimize medication use among individuals with VI. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2024 and January 2025 among pharmacists (n = 152) and visually impaired patients (n = 31) in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia. Pharmacists completed a self-administered questionnaire, while data from visually impaired patients were collected via structured face-to-face interviews. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Version 21, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 152 pharmacists and 31 visually impaired individuals participated in the study. Only 5.3% of pharmacists had received training related to VI care, and most counseling was directed to caregivers rather than patients (80.3%). pharmacists with additional training in VI were significantly more likely to employ unique or appropriate packaging methods (p < 0.001), and male pharmacists were more likely to rely on caregivers during OTC counseling (p = 0.014). Among the visually impaired participants, 77.5% reported difficulty reading medication packages and 67.7% faced challenges entering pharmacies. Braille literacy was significantly higher among males (p = 0.018) and those with higher education (p = 0.022). Overall, 90.3% expressed a need for improved accessibility tools and communication support in pharmacies. Conclusions: Pharmacists showed confidence in assisting visually impaired patients; however, most lacked formal training and relied heavily on caregivers for communication. Visually impaired individuals also reported difficulties accessing pharmacies, reading medication labels, and receiving complete information from pharmacists. Based on these findings, implementing specialized training programs, expanding Braille and tactile labeling, and integrating assistive technologies within pharmacies are recommended to improve safety and equitable medication use.