Results of a survey investigating knowledge of vision problems and recommended frequency of care that administered to children prior eye examinations

In October 2013, Lions Clubs International Foundation provided lenses to address uncorrected refractive error in Chicago Public School students to IEI at Princeton School-based Vision clinic. To determine the success of the project, we introduced a survey that students take when they present and a post-survey to be given after they wear the new correction for several weeks. We are presenting the results for the initial survey administered from October through December.

During the first three months,, 1,707 patients were seen for comprehensive exams. They ranged in age from 7 months to 22 years of age with a mean of 12.0 years. 1,626 students were able to complete some or all of the survey. For children unable to read, the questions were asked by an adult. Of the children seen, 680 reported never have worn glasses and 693 lost, broke or report they do not help. Only 23.1% report never having an eye exam before however, 24.9% do not recall when they did. In asking how often they should have an exam, 49.7% indicated yearly, 29.9% said every 6 months and 20.4% indicated every 2 years or more. In asking if they feel the glasses will help, 71.1% felt they would help in school and 55.1% felt they would help sports performance.

The survey demonstrates that children are aware of the importance of vision correction for school but it appears as if we need to do a better job of teaching them about the importance of regular eye exams.