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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Eileen M. Gable, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry, 3241 South Michigan Ave., chicago, IL 60616, 3122256200, egable@lumc.edu

The Illinois College of Optometry/Illinois Eye Institute (ICO/IEI) piloted the Vision of Hope Health Alliance (VOHHA) program for the treatment and management of ocular and systemic diseases through medical case management for uninsured adults in metropolitan Chicago. IEI partnered with community service agencies and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to provide early identification and treatment of ocular and systemic diseases among low-income community residents by increasing healthcare services access and capacity, and significantly reducing the gaps, barriers, and inefficiencies in sharing of information among providers.

805 patients were seen through the pilot program. All patients received comprehensive eye examinations, visual devices, disease treatment and follow up care. Patients were screened for health risk factors and those without primary care providers were referred to FQHCs for medical evaluation. Utilization and referrals rates were determined.

529 (66%) were referred for eyecare from community service agencies. Of those, 310 (59%) were subsequently referred to an FQHC. The overall number of patients without previous medical evaluation was 201 (25%). 475 (59%) patients reported no current medical providers. For those with providers, the average time since last medical exam was 1.1 years. In addition, 276 patients were referred from FQHCs for eyecare services. For all patients with referrals to and from FQHCs, medical information was shared with providers in accordance with HIPPA regulations.

The need for comprehensive care was evident by the large portion of patients without medical providers or care. The VOHHA program served as an entry point into primary care for these patients.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participants will be able to

• Identify trends in referral patterns from eyecare to primary care.
• Identify utilization patterns of referrals from primary care to eyecare.
• Develop realistic expectations for utilization and referrals amongst professions providing care to uninsured adults with visual problems.
• Develop and implement a plan for incorporation healthcare and eyecare into local social service programs.
• Design a program for effective interdisciplinary referrals and professional communication

Keywords: Community Collaboration, Health Care Access

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation