Combining Automated Vision Screening With On-site Examinations in 23 Schools

ReFocus on Children Program 2012 to 2013

Peterseim, Mae Millicent MD
Papa, Carrie E. BS
Parades, Courtney BA
Davidson, Jennifer MD
Sturges, Amber MD
Oslin, Carly OD
Merritt, Isla RN
Morrison, Mary BA

From the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Charleston, South Carolina (CP, CO, MM); Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina (MMP, CEP, JD); Carolina Eye Care, Charleston, South Carolina (AS); and Charleston County School District, Charleston, South Carolina (IM).

Supported in part by an unrestricted grant to MUSC-SEI from Research to Prevent Blindness, New York, New York; the BI-LO Foundation; St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church; Addlestone Foundation; Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation; and the Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation for the ReFocus on Children Program.

The authors have no financial or proprietary interest in the materials presented herein.

Correspondence: Carrie E. Papa, BS, Medical University of South Carolina Storm Eye Institute, 167 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29425. E-mail: [email protected]

Received June 05, 2014

Accepted September 24, 2014

Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus 52(1):p 20-24, January 01, 2015. | DOI: 10.3928/01913913-20141124-01

Purpose:

The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) began the ReFocus on Children Program to assist school nurses in providing vision screening for at-risk children in the Charleston County School District in South Carolina.

Methods:

In 2012 to 2013, 2,750 low-income school children ages 3 to 5 years were screened using the Plusoptix Vision screener (Atlanta, GA). Further examinations were performed on 419 (56%) children referred and glasses prescribed and provided for 192 children (positive predictive value 46%). In 2013, teacher feedback questionnaires were sent to the 23 schools.

Results:

Teacher feedback questionnaires had a 49% response rate. Of teachers responding to the questionnaire, 70% reported the children liked wearing their glasses. Teachers provided observations of positive impact, including improved academic performance.

Conclusions:

Nurses appreciated that the entire process was efficient and completed in school, simplifying care and follow-up. The authors encourage partnerships between schools, nonprofit agencies, and healthcare providers to improve screening and access to comprehensive vision care for young children.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2015;52(1):20–24.]