Recurring comprehensive follow-up as a national model for improving children's eye health

Purpose: Last year, we reported an increasing percentage of outcomes for an identical group of children who received recurring follow-up eye care in 2 alternating school years, k/2. This report expands this observational study to include additional data for evaluating the effectiveness of recurring follow-up for these same children in 3 alternating school years, k/2/4. Methods: We previously presented data on 1,645 students who, as kindergartners with uncorrected vision in 2007/08 and as 2nd graders in 2009/10, received follow-up eye care after failing their vision screening. We are currently providing and documenting follow-up eye care for all the same children who are referred as 4th graders (2011/12). Results: Previously, our data demonstrated the percentage of 2nd graders receiving eye care increased to 87.4% from 75.1% as kindergartners. Additionally, while none of the kindergartners wore glasses at time of screening, 38.5% wore glasses after receiving follow-up eye care when screened 2 years later. At the current school mid-year mark, 852 fourth graders of the 1,645 students have been referred and the percentage wearing glasses at screening increased to 42.3%. Final data on these students will be presented at the 2012 APHA conference. Conclusion: The principal of recurring follow-up eye care is vitally significant to children's eye health. Previous data supports the success of Sight Savers' comprehensive vision program in improving eye health for the same students in 2 alternating school years. Results from the 3rd alternating year of follow-up eye care will indicate the program's effectiveness throughout a child's elementary education.