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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Ian B. Berger, MD, DrPH, InFOCUS Center for Primary Eye Care Development, 3438 Topeka Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, 361 857 8664, iberger@infocusonline.org and Kavita Mistry, OD, MPH, Ophthalmology, University of Texas (San Antonio), 2007 W. Huisache, San Antonio, TX 78201-4949.

Even when vision care is available, local populations may not seek vision or eye exams because of a lack of knowledge or a misunderstanding of the benefits of what such care can provide. InFOCUS surveys have revealed a lack of perception of connections between clear vision/healthy eyes and improved school performance for children, or an enhancement of the quality of life for all age groups in the community. When such connections are understood and believed, the demand for vision care will catch up with a determined need. Vision Stations, local community-based providers or facilitators of vision and primary eye care, have been shown to encourage demand and trust in the methodologies employed to correct vision, treat eye problems, and reduce risks for preventable eye diseases. Vision Station programs can reduce "visual morbidity" through vision exams and dispensing affordable vision correction, with a consequent increase in the statistical average visual acuity.

Learning Objectives:

• At completion of this presentation structural and functional components of community-based vision stations will be understood as well as how vision stations can significantly reduce unfulfilled needs for vision care and increase the "community visual acuity" or visual competency of a defined local population.

Keywords: Access to Health Care, International Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation