The Michigan Screening and Intervention for Glaucoma and Eye Health through Telemedicine Program (MI-SIGHT): Initial Cohort Characteristics

Abstract

Purpose : The MI-SIGHT program is a telemedicine-based glaucoma and eye health screening program that includes treatment for refractive error, the leading cause of reversible vision loss in the US. Impoverished communities are disproportionately comprised of racial/ethnic minorities who are at higher risk both of glaucoma and visual impairment due to untreated refractive error. We hypothesize that embedding glaucoma screening programs that include treatment for refractive error in trusted community clinics will engage underserved communities in glaucoma screening. We will describe the baseline characteristics and screening outcomes of the initial cohort of participants in the MI-SIGHT Program and how they learned about the program

Methods : Using community-engaged research methods, the MI-SIGHT program was established in a free clinic in Eastern Michigan. Participants completed a baseline survey assessing demographic information and how they learned of the program. Participants underwent refraction, measurement of intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness, external and fundus photos, and retinal nerve fiber layer OCT, which was transmitted to the grading ophthalmologist via the electronic health record. An ophthalmic technician assisted participants in choosing glasses from a low-cost online retailer, and fit the glasses when participants returned to learn about the ophthalmologist’s diagnosis and recommendations

Results : Seventy-two participants (65% female; mean ±SD age 55.2±16.0 years) were included from 8/1/20-11/20/20. The initial cohort was 43% Black and 15% were of Hispanic ethnicity. 68% of participants did not have insurance and 85% of participants had an annual income < $30,000. (Table 1) More than half of the participants (58%) learned of the program through the clinic staff and 11% learned of it from flyers in the clinic’s dental and food pantry services. Based on the testing, participants presented with: glaucoma or suspected glaucoma (28%), visual impairment (26%), diabetic retinopathy (14%, 45% of those with diabetes), and macular degeneration (6%)

Conclusions : The MI-SIGHT program was set up in a free clinic widely trusted by community members, which enabled engagement of participants from underserved populations who are at high risk of vision impairment and eye disease

This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.