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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Eileen, M. Gable, OD, FAAO, Vision of Hope Medical Director, Illinois College of Optometry / Illinois Eye Institute, 3241 South Michigan Avneue, Chicago, IL 60616, 312-225-6200, egable@eyecare.ico.edu
In Chicago, an innovative project, known as VISION OF HOPE (VOH) has begun at the Illinois Eye Institute to deliver comprehensive eye care to targeted high-risk under-served patient populations. The program goals are to identify and manage treatable eye disease, to promote early detection of serious disease, to increase the quality of life for effected individuals and to provide preventive patient education.
This community-focused model partners with 16 agencies to identify residents who qualify for the program. Participants receive comprehensive eye examination. Rehabilitative and counseling services offer improved quality of life for those in need. Patients are given prescription eyewear, optical devices and medications when necessary. Program funding is accomplished through state, private foundation, and corporate support.
The program will serve 10,000 patients within three years. Over 70% of VOH patients have been identified with eye disease. Glaucoma represents a significant portion of ocular pathology with a prevalence of 20%, 3 to 7 times expected levels. Other pathology includes 30% prevalence of anterior segment disease, 18 % prevalence of cataracts and 8% prevalence of diabetic eye disease. The presence of systemic disease is also noteworthy at 13% diabetes and 29% hypertension. Patients report an average of 4 years since receiving appropriate care.
These statistics confirm the need for intervention among the under-served. To those at risk for visual impairment, preventative, comprehensive care is possible through cooperative efforts from community leaders, corporate supporters, and health care providers. The effectiveness of this endeavor will be preventing vision loss among the underprivileged.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Underserved, Vision Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am an employee of the this institution and medical director of this program