Between 100,000 to 125,000 infants and young children suffer unnecessary and permanent vision loss each year from amblyopia. This disparity in health is attributed to unrecognized strabismus or need for glasses. This amblyopia could easily be prevented if preverbal children could undergo eye exams or successful vision screening. Difficulties in screening preverbal children as well as problems of follow-up and access to vision care have been noted. Pediatricians only occasionally carry out appropriate eye exams, and our studies indicate that their referrals are based primarily on parents' recommendation rather than their own testing. Additionally, in 50% of school referrals, there was no reported care obtained; of those seeking care, the false positives were 60%; and further, there was no systematic method of follow-up available. Now, a community partnership has been established with the nation's 8th largest school district, community clinics for low income and uninsured children, a non-profit foundation and a university department of ophthalmology to conduct a model, community- wide program of vision screening and care for underserved infants and young children. Automated, digital photoscreening that also establishes a computerized database for follow-up is used. The initial phase of the program screens 8,000 young low income and uninsured children as well as children who are not meeting grade level achievement. Approximately 15% receive further evaluation, vision care if needed, and follow-up.
Learning Objectives: List 3 barriers to prevention of amblyopia in preverbal children. Articulate a community outreach program for identifying and correcting vision problems in preverbal and young children.
Keywords: Vision Care, Community Outreach
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: EyeDx, Inc.
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.