Abstract
Purpose :
The goal of this study is to examine the success of the Oregon Elks Preschool Vision Screening Program’s (“Program”) ability to encourage vision screening referrals to seek an eye examination. A retrospective, observational study was performed to identify and analyze the follow-up success rates and barriers to follow-up.
Methods :
The Program screened 6654 Head Start children ages 3-5 years old with a plusoptiX S12 vision screening device to identify those with amblyopia risk factors. All children referred by the vision screening were encouraged to go to an eye doctor for a dilated eye examination. Referrals were sent a letter describing the screening results and contacted up to three times by either phone or text communication. Chart notes were gathered to calculate follow-up success rate, demographic information and barriers to follow-up.
Results :
In the fall of 2017, a total of 865 refers with amblyopic risk factors were detected using the plusoptiX S12. The mean age was 4.2 years old. The follow-up compliance average was 64.4%. A comparison of English speaking children versus Non-English speaking children found that the follow-up compliance rate was 58.4% and 72% respectively (p-value: < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in follow-up compliance for gender or age.
Conclusions :
Only 39% of children who fail initial vision screening, receive the appropriate follow-up eye care.1 A successful follow-up program is critical to assist families in overcoming the barriers to obtaining eye care. Encouraging staff participation, educating families, using text communication and providing multilingual services are critical components to the success of a follow-up program.
1. American Optometric Association. School performance bridled by poor vision, visual disorders.
https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/reading-proficiency-and-eye-exams. Accessed November 15, 2018.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.