The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42681

Elizabeth Holzhauser, MPH CHES, R. Patti Herring, PhD, and Susanne Montgomery, MS, MPH, PhD. School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion and Education, Loma Linda University, School of Public Health, Nichol Hall rm 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350, 909-887-1040, elizholz@hotmail.com

The visual system accounts for 80% of information processing. 10% - 15% of children, ages 0 to 18 years have a visual defect that could interfere with cognitive or academic development. This percentage skyrockets to 50% in children with a physical or mental disability. Early detection and treatment with regular eye care visits are thus critical. In San Bernardino County, California 19% of children are uninsured. The PVOS (a community grassroots organization staffed strictly by volunteers) was developed to improve eye care access to uninsured and under-insured children by addressing barriers to service, which include lack of insurance, language, age, and physical disabilities. The goals of the project are to increase services to children as young as two years old; expand the number of providers who can speak a 2nd language; boost the number of school districts who will provide needy students with transportation to eye care visits; to broaden the PVOS service base by using community events as an outreach tactic; and step up efforts to offer this resource to rural and inner city areas of the county. To date 578 pairs of eyeglasses were given to uninsured children, 44 children were diagnosed with serious eye diseases and received additional ophthalmologic services. These services included cataract surgery (including implants), strabismus surgery, specialty contact lenses for amblyopia, medications and follow up services for children with juvenile glaucoma, and low-vision aids for children who have significant visual impairments. Program efforts and outcomes will be presented and implementation barriers discussed.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the session participants will be able to

• Recite at least three ways in which visual handicaps can interfer with children's cognitive & academic performances.
• Recite at least three barriers to vision care services for disadvantaged children.
• List at least three ways of providing disadvantaged children with vision screening and services.

Keywords: Vision Care, Access to Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.