In keeping with the preventative eye care goals of Healthy People 2010, the goal of Project See the World is to improve quality of life and health outcomes by increasing access to eye care services among people who, because of disadvantaged socioeconomic status or lack of access, are unable to receive this care. This project, funded by Harris County Community Development Department, provides cost-free comprehensive eye examinations for vision impairment, evaluation for ocular diseases, and routine eye and preventative clinical care. Services are taken to people in need in places where they naturally congregate such as community and senior centers, churches, apartment complexes, and homes. Clients include children, adults, and the homebound (bedridden). Each target area is visited at least twice, the initial visit to provide eye examinations and a subsequent follow-up visit to dispense eyeglasses and to provide follow-up care as needed. In year one, over 300 clients will be seen, close to 200 pairs of glasses dispensed, and 70 patients will receive additional treatment or surgery for eye diseases. Education regarding recommended guidelines for eye care is provided and evaluated via pre- and post-test data collection. Client satisfaction is assessed via a follow-up telephone survey. The response demonstrated by clients highlights the need for additional projects that reduce barriers to health care and for the inclusion of comprehensive eye care, including refraction, in mobile health clinics.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1) Describe the components needed to provide mobile eye care services. 2) Identify barriers to access for clients utilizing a mobile eye care clinic. 3) Articulate the recommended guidelines for preventative eye care. 4) Replicate the services provided by Project See the World.
Keywords: Vision Care, Outreach Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.