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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Jillian Lucas Baker, EdM¹, Robert Simmons, DrPH, MPH, CHES¹, Lisa Ulmer, ScD, MSW¹, and Calvin James, MPH². (1) School of Public Health, Drexel University, 1505 Race Street Bellet Building, 11th floor, Bellet Building, 11th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 2157622570, jkl36@drexel.edu, (2) Office of Government and Community Relations, Drexel University, 1505 Race Street, Bellet Building,6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102

The high level of undetected and untreated vision problems among children has resulted in Healthy People 2010 objectives on increasing dilated eye examinations (28-1) and reducing blindness and visual impairment in children under 17 (28-4). There is some evidence that student use of eyeglasses may increase student academic performance, reduce behavioral problems, and improve self-esteem. During the past nine years, the Philadelphia Eagles Football Club has provided over 10,000 free eyeglasses to elementary and middle school children.

This evaluation project involves collaboration between the Philadelphia Eagles, the School District of Philadelphia and Drexel University's School of Public Health. Evaluation questions include: whether disadvantaged Philadelphia school children participating in the Eagles Eye Mobile Program are maintaining and using their eyeglasses; and whether the regular use of eyeglasses positively impact on child reading level, academic performance, school behavior, and self-competence.

The evaluation design is a prospective study of 326 low-income children from 18 public schools that received eyeglasses in fall 2005. Measurement tools include student pre and post eyeglasses interviews, eye acuity data, teacher observation of eyeglasses, school nurse interviews, and academic records.

Description of program results and school health policy implications will be discussed. Process measures will assist the Eagles Eye Mobile to develop program improvements to increase the maintenance and use of eyeglasses for children. If significant improvements in students who regularly use eyeglasses are found, it could provide justification for increased student vision education, assessment and treatment as part of comprehensive school health education and services.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe key elements of eye mobile programs for school children.
• Identify whether receipt of eye mobile services improves student academic performance, school behavior, and self-esteem.
• Identify barriers to use of eyeglasses among students.
• List the recommendations for program improvement.

Keywords: School Health, Community Collaboration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation