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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Janis Ecklund Winters, OD and Eileen M. Gable, OD, FAAO. Illinois College of Optometry, 3241 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, (312)949-7307, jwinters@ico.edu

Many seniors do not receive annual eye examinations with pupillary dilation. These exams are especially important among seniors since studies have reported that the prevalence of visual impairment and eye disease increases with age. The Sight for Seniors (SFS) program was developed to promote and address unmet need for eye exams/eye glasses and detect /treat eye disease.

SFS provided primary eye care (general and follow-up), eye glasses and low vision to 89 low-income seniors in a Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Senior Housing development at no out-of-pocket cost. Residents were provided transportation to the Illinois Eye Institute (IEI) for these visits. Residents were served regardless of their insurance coverage or lack thereof. A Community Liaison (CL) was employed and worked with CHA Resident Services Coordinators to promote the program and enroll residents.

Outcomes were measured by vision improvement after refractive correction (82% greater than or equal to 1 and 28% greater than or equal to 3 lines), and prevalence of: eye diseases (80% history, newly diagnosed and 31% treatment initiated), vision impairment (6% <20/40) and systemic diseases (71% hypertension and 37% diabetes mellitus). Repeated administration of the National Eye Institute Vision Function Questionnaire-25 demonstrated improvement in self reported vision related quality of life after new eye glasses received.

SFS program supported by Retirement Research Foundation.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the importance of regular eye exams in the senior population.
• Discuss the results of the SFS program and how it may apply to other similar populations.

Keywords: Vision Care, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation