2015 APHA Annual Meeting & Expo

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Recorded Annual Meeting Presentations (RAMP) are now available for purchase.
Only $90 for presenters, $140 for registered attendees and $200 for non-attendees.

Online Program

324802
Improving Access to Eye Care Among Persons at High Risk for Glaucoma: Results from a 3-year program evaluation


Monday, November 2, 2015 : 12:50 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.

Saloni Sapru, PhD, Public Health Research and Evaluation, Westat, Rockville, MD
Jennifer Berktold, PhD, Health Studies, Westat, Rockville, MD
Brittney Francis, MPH, Westat, Rockville, MD
Audio (mp3) recording Recorded Presentation (mp4)
Background: In 2012, CDC established a program to improve glaucoma screening and treatment for populations experiencing the greatest disparity in access to glaucoma care. Two awardees developed interventions to increase glaucoma screening and treatment. One delivered eye care to underserved communities using a mobile health model, while the other employed a telemedicine model in partnership with Walmart. A program evaluation was conducted using the RE-AIM framework to assess how how well the two programs reached those who were at high risk for glaucoma and brought them into the eye care system.

Methods: Program implementation was assessed though participant and community partner data and site visits to interview program staff and community partners.

Results: By targeting at-risk individuals in communities, both programs detected a large number of new glaucoma cases and glaucoma suspects – a much larger proportion than what is usually found in the general population. The comprehensive eye exams also led to the detection of other age-related eye diseases such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. Although glaucoma education in both programs led to short-term knowledge increases in participants, there was no clear evidence that it led participants to get eye exams or adhere to treatment.

Implications: Both programs were resource intensive and without external funding were unlikely to be sustained in their current form. The mobile eye health model when delivered in public health clinics showed promise for scalability, as there was high patient demand and services could be provided with fewer eye professionals and transportable equipment.

Learning Areas:

Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Provision of health care to the public

Learning Objectives:
Evaluate two community programs as part of a CDC initiative to increase access to eye care among persons at high risk for glaucoma

Keyword(s): Evaluation, Vision Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was the project director and oversaw all aspects of this program evaluation.
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.

Back to: 3292.0: Barriers and facilitators to access to eye care