Recorded presentation

Candice E. Clifford, BA¹, Joseph M. Miller, MD, MPH², Erin M. Harvey, PhD¹, and Velma Dobson, PhD³. (1) Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arizona, 655 N. Alvernon Way, Ste 108, Tucson, AZ 85711, 520-324-3160, candicec@u.arizona.edu, (2) Department of Ophthalmology, The Optical Sciences Center, and the College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 655 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85711, (3) Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 655 N. Alvernon Way, Ste 108, Tucson, AZ 85711

Purpose: A high prevalence of refractive astigmatism is present among members of the Tohono O’odham Nation, a Native American Tribe in southeastern Arizona. Because uncorrected astigmatism can lead to the development of amblyopia (poor visual acuity even while wearing eyeglasses), early detection and correction (prior to about age 7) are essential to the prevention of vision disorders among this population.

From 1997 to 2001, we conducted a study of astigmatism and amblyopia in Tohono O’odham preschool (Head Start) children. As part of the program, parents received information on the importance of eyeglass wear in children with astigmatism, and preschool children who required eyeglasses were provided with them free of charge. The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of the preschool intervention on spectacle wear among older children from the same population. These children were not directly targeted through the preschool program.

Methods: Vision screening was conducted in 259 children in grades 4-6 in 1997 and 360 children in 2001. Prevalence of astigmatism was 33.6% in 1997 and in 2001. Testers recorded whether each child arrived at the screening wearing glasses.

Results: Statistical analysis indicated a significant increase in the rate of spectacle wear among 4-6 grade children following intervention (5.8% versus 10.5%, p<0.04).

Conclusions: A significant increase in the rate of spectacle wear among 4th-6th grade Tohono O’odham children suggests that community education conducted through the preschool program may have increased community awareness of vision problems, resulting in an increased number of children receiving eye care.

Learning Objectives:

• To provide information about the community effects of a vision screening program in a population with a sizeable need for eyeglass correction.

Keywords: Vision Care, Child Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Recorded presentation