Implementing an Eye Care Program with Partner Agencies

The Illinois College of Optometry/ Illinois Eye Institute implemented the Vision of Hope Health Alliance (VOHHA) through which partner agencies (service agencies (SA) or federally qualified health centers (FQHC)) referred adults for eye care and eye glasses. FQHC accepted medical referral.

FQHC and SA serve a specific population; all served uninsured low-income people (VOHHA target population). VOHHA policies, materials and budget were tailored to match SA/FQHC needs.

Both agency heads and staff completing patient applications were informed of VOHHA procedures and policies. Both SA and FQHC were invested in the VOHHA and were valued partners. However, policies seemed to be implemented differently. FQHC tended to be larger and staff tended to have less direct knowledge of patients such interpretation needs. At SA personal contact seemed to be more the norm. SA also seemed more able to modify their procedures to accommodate the VOHHA program's requests such as appointment confirmation. Since 56% of patients were referred from FQHC and of those only a small number (3 (1.6%)) reported no primary care provider (PCP), patients needing referral to a PCP was less than desired. 47.3% of those referred from SA reported no PCP. Method of communication varied between SA and FQHC; not all SA had e-mail or internet access.

It is important to match goals and projections with the needs of SA/FQHC constituents. Understanding partner agencies programs, capabilities and constituents allowed the VOHHA program to serve the unique needs of each partner agency.

VOHHA is supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.