Outcomes of New Vision Screening Collaboration by Medical Students and Local Non-Profit in Underserved Community

Abstract

Purpose : This study outlines the process of establishing a vision screening program in collaboration with the Beaumont Ophthalmology residency program and El Centro Multicultural La Familia, a local non-profit assisting the underserved Spanish-speaking population of southeast Michigan. It describes the planning and execution of the event, outlines steps for success, reports the number of patients assisted, overall event outcomes, and insights gained for planning future screenings.

Methods : The screening was held on-site at the Mexican Consulate in Madison Heights, MI. Patients were pre-recruited by El Centro staff and assigned to 15-minute time slots. Nine student volunteers attended a training session led by staff and resident ophthalmologists prior to the event. During the event, supervised medical students conducted patient histories with help from El Centro staff serving as Spanish translators, performed blood pressure, visual field and intraocular pressure testing, and administered fluorescein drops to screen for corneal defects. If further examination with dilation was needed, tropicamide eye drops were given. Ophthalmologists then evaluated patients with slit lamps that were brought on-site. At the end of the visit, patients were provided with follow-up information to local free clinics and EyeCare America, and were also given reading glasses, cases, and cleaning and education materials.

Results : There was 100% attendance by all patients via our pre-recruiting process. A total of 24 patients were seen in a four-hour period. Patients were given a completed examination form with their results at the end of the appointment containing the following information: blood pressure, near visual acuity, external penlight examination, pupils, visual fields to confrontation, eye pressures, slit lamp exam findings, and referral information.

Conclusions : Following the success of the pilot screening event, we intend to host annual ophthalmology vision clinics with our community partner. Collaborating with community partners can be a helpful way to ensure accessibility for patients in need, improve event flow, and maximize the impact of healthcare screening services. Based on the efficiency and effectiveness observed in our pilot screening event, future clinics will be expanded to accommodate a larger group of patients.

This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.