Community-based adult vision projects

Objectives: The organization implemented adult vision projects focusing on the prevention of age-related eye disease (ARED) including Diabetic Retinopathy, Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Macular Degeneration. Three of Prevent Blindness America (PBA) affiliates utilized a collaborative approach to obtain additional resources and expand services. Methods: PBA, through its cooperative agreement with the Diabetes Division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has developed an Adult Blindness and Vision Loss Prevention Program. From 2004-2006, PBA worked closely with three of its leading affiliates to develop innovative community-based adult vision projects. The strategies incorporated in this program differ between each affiliate. Prevent Blindness Ohio trained primary care providers to offer a risk assessment, vision screening and referral during routine visits at local community health centers. Prevent Blindness Tennessee held vision screenings and follow up eye exam clinics within four highly underserved counties. Prevent Blindness Georgia worked with eleven Area Aging Agency regions to provide vision screenings, eye exam clinics, and eyeglasses. As an extension of their project, this affiliate became instrumental in building a coalition of over 40 organizations to work on vision issues in the state. Results: The three community-based adult vision projects have led to the development of model programs that can be replicated within the public health and vision communities. Conclusions: Each affiliate has established a unique approach toward addressing ARED. Through each pilot project, new, previously undiagnosed cases of these conditions have been identified and treatment was initiated.