238976 An analysis of the current state of children's vision care in Massachusetts - Massachusetts (MA) Pilot: National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness America

Wednesday, November 2, 2011: 10:30 AM

Catherine A. Johnson, OD , Department of Specialty and Advanced Care, New England College of Optometry, Boston, MA
Stacy A. Lyons, OD , The New England College of Optometry, Boston, MA
Bruce Moore, OD , Department of Specialty and Advanced Care, New England College of Optometry, Boston, MA
Jean E. Ramsey, MD, MPH , Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
Paula Dobrow, RN, MSN , School Health Services, MA Department of Public Health, Boston, MA
Karin McClure, BS , Special Education Family Consultant, T.L. Connections, Inc, Woburn, MA
Tom Miller , Educational Partnerships Program, Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, MA
Katherine Majzoub, RN, MBA , Prevent Blindness America, Boston, MA
Rashmi Dayalu, MPH , Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program, MA Department of Public Health, Boston, MA
The Massachusetts' (MA) 2004 legislative mandate for Preschool Vision Programs, evidence-based screening protocols, universal health care coverage, and a multidisciplinary coalition dedicated to advancing practice around children's vision have provided MA with the opportunity to protect children from preventable visual impairment and the lifelong challenges that it creates. However, it is recognized that additional systems, mandates, collaborations, as well as new performance measures, are needed to ensure that all children receive the full spectrum of vision care. The MA Pilot is a multidisciplinary, multi-affiliated initiative dedicated to developing new state-wide systems, standards and practices to support the universal delivery of comprehensive children's vision services. Currently in phase 2 of a five phase strategic plan, a detailed analysis of the state's children's vision delivery system is being conducted in order to understand the resources, gaps and challenges that will guide effective solution development and implementation of new programs and strategies. Evaluation of the current system has included development of a detailed map of the vision service delivery process. This map includes education, screening, eye exams, treatment and support services, and captures inputs such as tools, protocols, processes, stakeholders and educational materials. Interviews have been used to collect descriptive and quantitative data regarding the process. Preliminary analysis suggests the need for: systematic monitoring of vision screening and follow-up care, improved access to comprehensive care and treatment, educational campaigns, and improved coordination and communication among families, eye care providers and the medical and educational homes. Phase II evaluation is ongoing.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Provision of health care to the public

Learning Objectives:
1. To describe, analyze, and identify gaps in the current system of children’s vision care in Massachusetts from a multidisciplinary perspective. 2. To identify methods of addressing gaps in this current system.

Keywords: Vision Care, Health Needs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am Chair of one of the primary working groups and member of the advisory committee for the project described in this abstract. I am Director of a school-based pediatric eye clinic and my clinical work focuses on addressing public health needs in pediatric vision care. I have presented on this model of care at previous APHA meetings.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.