The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50170

Ian B Berger, MD, DrPH and Norman Bailey, OD, MPH. InFOCUS, 3438 Topeka Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, 361 857 8664, InFOCUSIntl@aol.com

This study was designed to gain information about the status quo, or “before” situation of eye health knowledge and certain eye health-related attitudes of population samples prior to planning a health education program, in order to make the health education program a worthwhile effort. A sample of approximately 1,000 people in the Houston, Texas area, representing a cross section of ages, occupations, formal education and personal experience with eye or vision problems were surveyed with a brief questionnaire about eye conditions, therapies and public health aspects of eye care revealing the status of knowledge about vision and eye health concepts. It is considered that attempts to teach or “enlighten” individuals about information or ideas they are already familiar with or have already put into practice would be redundant and inefficient. Therefore, the topics and eye health knowledge gaps revealed in this study can help in the design of appropriate and consequential efforts at health education and behavioral change and compliance with eye health promotion strategies, such as control of tendencies towards diabetic sequelae. A general lack of accurate knowledge about common vision problems such as refractive errors and presbyopia was striking

Learning Objectives:

• Attendance at this presentation/discussion will help eye health professionals and health educators select appropriate content for eye health education programs aimed to improve compliance with recommended protocols or regimens for maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision.

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.