Facilitating eye care for those facing barriers to care

The Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry provides a Community Care Program, which aims to provide eye care for those who may not otherwise have access to it. Services were provided for the women and children living in an emergency domestic violence shelter, transitional housing, or who were outreach clients served by the YWCA San Gabriel Valley, CA. This project consisted of a health fair, coinciding with Domestic Violence Prevention Month, and included vision screenings, followed up by exam days and distribution of glasses for those who needed them. Resources from participating partner agencies were also provided and included community nutrition programs, early education programs, health clinics, and local city and law enforcement representatives. This population demonstrated higher than expected rates of vision screening failure, with 50% of clients needing follow up exams. Many clients had never had an eye exam and clinicians also provided individualized education for each patient. Clinicians reported that it was very rewarding to assist families who had survived a recent crisis, and clients served also reported that they were very satisfied. Due to the sensitive nature of serving this group, care was taken in providing transportation to and from the shelter, which is in an undisclosed location. Considerations also had to be given if follow up care was required for families that were transitory. Future services will also include pre and post testing to determine whether this intervention also impacts children's performance in school and adult work and quality of life.