Proportion of Time Dedicated to Dispensing Low-Cost Glasses in a Free Eye Disease Screening Program

Abstract

Purpose : The provision of low-cost eyeglasses provides participants in an eye disease screening program a meaningful improvement of their vision. Herein we describe the proportion of time dedicated to providing glasses in the Michigan Screening and Intervention for Glaucoma and Eye Health through Telemedicine (MI-SIGHT) program over one month at a single site.

Methods : The MI-SIGHT program offers free eye disease screenings, low-cost glasses, and care navigation services to participants recruited from primary care clinics that provide care for medically underserved individuals. A time study was conducted between October 1 - 31, 2023 to assess minutes spent on: refraction with trial frame; assistance ordering glasses online; communication on eyeglasses pickup; fitting of eyeglasses; returning of eyeglasses; and dispensing issues.

Results : A total of 127 participants received optical care over 41.6 hours; 78 received refractions and 49 received other services. The average refraction time was 13.4 +/- 4.3 minutes, which represented 26.6% of the total technician exam time during the eye disease screening. The average time taken to order glasses (n=64) was 12.6 +/- 5.7 minutes. The average time spent on phone calls (n=72) was 1.3 +/- 0.7 minutes. The average time spent on glasses fitting (n=51) was 4.9 +/- 1.9 minutes. The average time spent on other optical needs (n=17) was 15.9 +/- 17.3 minutes (range 1 - 73 minutes). In this timeframe, there was one eyeglass return; the processing of that return took 14.0 minutes.

Conclusions : In a one-month period within a free eye disease screening program, a quarter of FTE ophthalmic technician time was spent providing glasses. The one return of eyeglasses took a high proportion of time, emphasizing the need for accuracy at point-of-care.

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