Michigan Glaucoma Awareness Outreach: Community education for a high risk population

The goal of this Healthy Eyes Healthy People 2010 grant-funded program was to increase public awareness about the effects of glaucoma on sight in the higher-risk African American population. A 30 minute PowerPoint presentation was developed and delivered to the target population at various locations in Grand Rapids, MI, coordinated by a cooperative effort with the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI), an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The topics emphasized included the role of comprehensive eye examinations in the early detection of glaucoma, the risk factors for glaucoma including family history and ethnicity, and the importance of early treatment in order to preserve vision. These presentations were advertised with help from the GRAAHI and its project liaison in the form of personal contacts, public announcements at churches and organizations, and posters/flyers at common gathering places. The National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) “EyeQ Test” was administered before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the presentation to attendees as a measure of the effectiveness of the presentation. Attendees who turned in their tests received a copy of the answer sheet and were eligible for a raffle drawing completed at the presentation conclusion for gift cards. The numbers of presentation attendees were recorded and quiz answers analyzed for educational improvement individually and as a group. The results of the presentations demonstrated a nearly 20% increase in overall knowledge gained on glaucoma and can be used as a model for similar projects with community partners on any subject area.