The aim of this study is to explore in depth adolescents’ insights regarding experiences of spectacle lens wear and its correlation with self-perception, quality of life, social interactions, adherence and barriers.

Qualitative design through individual interviews and thematic analysis.

Middle school students in five regions of Jakarta Province.

31 middle school adolescents who participated and received free spectacle wear by the Indonesian Ophthalmologist Association.

A set of semistructured questionnaires exploring adolescents’ perception regarding spectacle lens wear, adapted from the PedEyeQ. Interviews were conducted on site or through Zoom and were then transcribed.

Thematic analysis identified three themes, as follows: (1) experience with eyeglasses, (2) motivation and encouragement and (3) barriers to usage. This study found that more than half of adolescents received their first spectacles during the outreach programme, with most reporting improved vision and academic performance after spectacle wear. However, adherence varied, as some participants—particularly those with moderate to high myopia and astigmatism—did not use their new glasses due to discomfort, poor fit or dissatisfaction with visual clarity. While initial adaptation often involved dizziness or soreness, most adjusted within a week. The majority recognised the importance of spectacle wear, describing clearer vision, reduced eye strain and improved confidence, though a minority viewed it as unnecessary. Parents played a central role in influencing health-seeking behaviour, and limited prior access to eye examinations and geographic challenges restricted care for several adolescents. Financial concerns were reported by a small proportion, while psychological barriers such as fear of teasing or negative self-perception were the major barrier. Overall, adolescents highlighted both the benefits and challenges of spectacle wear, with motivation shaped by personal experience, parental influence and accessibility of eye care services.

Findings showed insight that adolescent understanding regarding eye health is imperative to support adherence. However, psychological barriers act as a major factor that impedes lens wear. Involving parents and teachers in understanding urgency and severity of eye health in adolescents, specifically refractive error and its long-term negative impact, as well as the prominent psychological barriers, may improve adolescent perception and adherence.