Abstract
Purpose :
The purpose was to explore state-level data from 2016-2017 NSCH ( 2-step cross-sectional survey) on visual acuity (VA). The question asked if VA testing had been done, if yes, site of test. This analysis looked at the relationship of VA testing to access to vision care, and interaction with SES status (income, insurance and adequacy of health care access). Understanding that data provides opportunities to look at public health interventions to detect vision problems knon to impair development and learning readiness if left untreated.
Methods :
The NSCH is administered by the US Census Bureau to US families focusing on children birth-17 yrs of age. Data released reflect 2 consecutive years. This analysis looked at the association of VA testing with age, SES, and child health status by state-level breakdown The NSCH is publicly available data and Institutional Review Board approval was not required for this study
Results :
50212 surveys for 2016 and 21599 for 2017 represented all states and DC. One child/household was chosen for the questions. Demographics for the 2years were reviewed and found to have no significant difference, the data was combined to increase the number of responses on the state level. (51.1% male, mean age 9.4 yrs±5.27). 51929 (69.7%) respondents stated VA was tested in the past 2 yrs (pop est of 73.1 mil.) States with lowest likelihood of VA tests by age group were: 0-5yrs – ID, NV, FL; 6-11yrs-NV, KY, ID, 12-17yrs-ID, HA, LA. States with lowest rates based on federal poverty level <100%-ID, OK, NM, <200%-NB, NV, IA, <400%-AR, NV, ID. States with the lowest rates when assessing adequacy of health care-KY, NV, HA. States with lowest rates based on public insurance-ID, OK, MO.
Conclusions :
Analysis of NSCH data showed several states with poor access to VA testing regardless of the variable. Poor outcomes may be related to insurance access, provider availability or lack of access to quality vision services. As the epidemic of myopia approaches, we need to consider how states can improve vision screenings and access to eye care services knowing that poor vision can impact child health and academic success. On-going data collection will be critical to provide surveillance for programmatic interventions, revisions to health policy and coverage, and improved access to clinical services to promote uniformly improved vision health for children in the U.S.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.