May 2005
Volume 46, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2005
Frequency of Ocular Examinations in High–Risk Population Groups
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • D.W. Chia
    Ophthalmology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
  • E. Higginbotham
    Ophthalmology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
    Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, Lake Success, NY
  • N.J. Ellish
    Ophthalmology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
  • A.M. Pisacano
    Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, Lake Success, NY
  • S.J. Grant
    Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, Lake Success, NY
  • F.S Ashburn, Jr
    Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, Lake Success, NY
  • G. Frei
    Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, Lake Success, NY
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  D.W. Chia, None; E. Higginbotham, Allergan, Inc. F; Pfizer, Inc. F; Alcon, Inc. F; Merck, Inc. F; N.J. Ellish, None; A.M. Pisacano, None; S.J. Grant, None; F.S. Ashburn Jr., None; G. Frei, None.
  • Footnotes
    Support  Research to Prevent Blindness, Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, CDC
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2005, Vol.46, 1950. doi:
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      D.W. Chia, E. Higginbotham, N.J. Ellish, A.M. Pisacano, S.J. Grant, F.S Ashburn, Jr, G. Frei; Frequency of Ocular Examinations in High–Risk Population Groups . Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2005;46(13):1950.

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      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

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Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To present the 3 year data from the Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation (FCGCF) public vision screening database in examining factors affecting the frequency of ocular examination with respect to ethnicity, age, and gender. Methods: During the time period from April 2001 to November 2004, the Foundation screened 40,133 individuals in 27 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Fixed sites were supplemented by mobile screening vans as locations for the screenings. Demographic data such as age, ethnicity, gender, and family history of glaucoma were collected during the screening. The length of time since the individual’s last eye exam was also recorded. Based on Humphrey FDT results at the time of screening, results of a risk factor questionniare, follow–up and referral recommendations were made. Results: Of the population studied, 32% of those older than 65 years of age reported they either did not have an eye exam in the last 2 years or never had an eye exam. By ethnicity, these proportions were 27% among self–reported African–Americans over 65 (n=2,764), 32% among Caucasians in this age group (n=2,635), and 35% among Hispanics over 65 (n=3,162). Among all individuals in the 40–64 years of age range (n=2,816), 18% reported they had an eye exam either more than 5 years ago or never at all. Up to 28% of all individuals referred for glaucoma consultation had a family history of glaucoma regardless of ethnicity. There were no gender–based differences in the length of time since the last eye exam. Conclusions: These data suggest a significant proportion of high–risk population groups, such as older individuals, Hispanics, African–Americans, and those individuals with a family history are not undergoing comprehensive exams, thus underscoring the importance of public education programs regarding glaucoma and other ocular diseases.

Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: health care delivery/economics/manpower • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques 
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