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Belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) demonstrated deep and durable responses in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in DREAMM-2 (NCT03525678). Corneal events, specifically keratopathy (including superficial punctate keratopathy and/or microcyst-like epithelial changes (MECs), eye examination findings with/without symptoms), were common, consistent with reports from other antibody–drug conjugates. Given the novel nature of corneal events in RRMM management, guidelines are required for their prompt identification and appropriate management. Eye examination findings from DREAMM-2 and insights from hematology/oncology investigators and ophthalmologists, including corneal specialists, were collated and used to develop corneal event management guidelines. The following recommendations were formulated: close collaboration among hematologist/oncologists and eye care professionals is needed, in part, to provide optimal care in relation to the belamaf benefit–risk profile. Patients receiving belamaf should undergo eye examinations before and during every treatment cycle and promptly upon worsening of symptoms. Severity of corneal events should be determined based on corneal examination findings and changes in best-corrected visual acuity. Treatment decisions, including dose modifications, should be based on the most severe finding present. These guidelines are recommended for the assessment and management of belamaf-associated ocular events to help mitigate ocular risk and enable patients to continue to experience a clinical benefit with belamaf.

Purpose: To describe the use of eye care services among adults treated for diabetes from 2008 to 2017 in the French population. Methods: We used a random representative sampling of the French national health insurance database. Participants were adults treated for diabetes. Data regarding visits to ophthalmologists, eye examination procedures, and medical treatments were extracted using reimbursement codes. Cross-sectional analyses of eye care claims were performed each year from 2008 to 2017. Results: Less than 50% of people with diabetes underwent an annual eye examination (2008: 44.7%; 2017: 47.9%), and less than two-thirds underwent a biennial eye examination (2008–2009: 62.6%; 2016–2017: 66.4%). From 2008 to 2017, the yearly use of optical coherence tomography examinations increased steadily and markedly from 2.7% to 16.2%, while the use of fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographies decreased from 2.4% to 0.9%. In the same period, the yearly rate of intravitreal injection increased from 0.3% to 1.5%, and the use of laser photocoagulation decreased progressively from 2008 to 2014 (1.3% vs. 0.7%) but slightly increased from 2015 to 2017 (0.8% vs. 1.0%). Conclusions: Strategies to increase compliance with eye care recommendations are needed to improve early detection and management of diabetic eye complications.

Purpose To compare the effectiveness of the Optos P200dTx and Zeiss Clarus 500 fundus cameras in detecting diabetic retinopathy (DR) lesions. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 243 patients with clinically diagnosed diabetes mellitus who were referred for an eye examination from two tertiary eye care centers in Chennai, India. Patients underwent DR screening based on mydriatic fundal images acquired by both fundal cameras. Fundal images from the two separate devices for each eye were compared based on accurately identified pathological retinal lesions with respect to type and location. Results When studying lesions of the central retina, they were better identified by the Zeiss Clarus compared with the Optos P200dTx, with six out of eight being statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, lesions of the mid-peripheral retina and peripheral retina were better identified by the Optos P200dTx than the Zeiss Clarus, with three out of eight lesions and five out of eight lesions being statistically significant (P < 0.05), respectively. Based on the color and size of lesions, the Optos P200dTx had a higher chance (59.6%) of missing white lesions than did the Zeiss Clarus (17%) (P < 0.0001). Consequently, small- and medium-sized lesions were missed more by the Optos P200dTx (30.72% and 32.63%, respectively) than the Zeiss Clarus (22.3% and 19.30%, respectively). Conclusions The capability of detecting or missing a particular DR lesion among diabetics differed between the two cameras based on effective field of view, resolution, and the retinal zone being imaged. Translational Relevance The choice of which ultra-widefield camera to be used for screening DR can be based on the greater prevalence of central versus peripheral retinal lesions noted in the patient population seen in a clinical practice.

PURPOSE: Good vision during childhood is vital for visual, educational, and social development. Previous research highlights challenges in the accessibility of eye care for children. This study investigates the accessibility of primary eye care for young children with typical development and those with autism in England. METHODS: A telephone survey was conducted using four hypothetical scenarios (a child aged 1, 3, 5 years and a 13-year-old with autism). Four hundred community optometric practices (100 different practices for each scenario) were contacted to explore the availability of an eye examination. The caller acted as a parent, asking about the availability of an eye examination for their child and raising concerns regarding the child. Key barriers and enablers to the accessibility of primary eye care were identified through an analysis of qualitative information. RESULTS: Of the 400 practices, only three (

Introduction. Low vision is a worldwide health problem in both developing and developed countries. A national survey of low vision and blindness in Ethiopia showed that the prevalence of low vision was 3.7% and that of blindness was 1.6%, whereas there is no evidence in the study area. Purpose. The study was aimed to assess the proportion and associated factors of low vision at the University of Gondar tertiary eye care and training center. Methods. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 727 study participants with a systematic random sampling technique from April 18 to May 16, 2019. Data were collected through the use of a structural questionnaire and physical eye examination. Data were entered into Epi Info version 7, and analysis was performed by using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20. The binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with low vision, and variables with a P value of Results. A total of 715 study participants have participated in this study with a mean age of 49.39 ± 19.93 years. The prevalence of low vision was 35.7% (95% CI: 32.3, 39.3). Being female (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.28), no formal educational level (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.25, 4.02), history of cataract surgery (AOR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.53, 4.36), and age ≥ 70 years (AOR: 3.96; 95% CI: 2.21, 7.10) were significantly associated with low vision. Conclusion and Recommendation. The prevalence of low vision found in this study was high as compared with the national and global magnitude. Older age, being female, previous history of cataract surgery, and no formal education were independently and significantly associated with low vision. Cataract and uncorrected refractive errors were identified as the main causes of low vision. Therefore, it requires a plan to provide an eye care education to the community, increasing the quality of cataract surgery and refractive service for the community in the catchment area.

Background. An impairment of the visual system at or shortly after birth adversely affects educational performance of children which typically occurs through vision. Limited evidence on the magnitude and causes of visual impairment is one of the reasons for the low priority given to eye care in low-income countries. Objectives. To estimate the prevalence and determine the causes of visual impairment in primary school children in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Materials and Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1289 children aged 5–15 years who were randomly selected in 9 primary schools (government and private) from May to June 2016. Visual acuity was measured at 6 m using Snellen’s chart, and children with an acuity of less than 6/18 in the better eye underwent refraction and a detailed eye examination. A cause of their impairment was determined. Data were recorded using pretested tools. . Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16 was used to enter and analyze the data using 95% confidence intervals. Results. The prevalence of visual impairment was 1.8%. Refractive errors (nearly 70%) followed by strabismus and cataract, each contributing 4.3%, were the most frequent causes of visual impairment in the study population. Majority (87%) of the children had moderate degree of vision impairment, and 10–15-year age groups are the more affected ones. Children of age fifteen and above showed statistically significant association with visual impairment (p=0.005). Conclusion. The magnitude of visual impairment in primary school children in the study area is significant. School screening programme is recommended to minimize the burden of visual impairment in the study area.

1. Allison R. Loh, MD* 2. Michael F. Chiang, MD*,† 1. *Department of Ophthalmology and 2. †Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR Incorporating vision screening and a basic eye examination in the primary care setting can be challenging. Determining which screening examination to perform and when to refer a patient to a pediatric eye care provider is critical. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Understand the importance of vision screening and know what conditions can be detected by periodic eye examinations. 2. Describe the components of a vision screening examination at different ages and plan an appropriate evaluation of vision. 3. Recognize the indications for referral to pediatric ophthalmology. Vision screening is crucial for early detection and prevention of vision loss in young children. Vision screening can be performed by primary care providers, trained laypersons (eg, school-based screenings), and eye care providers. Vision screening techniques are either provider-based (eg, traditional acuity testing, inspection, red reflex testing) or instrument-based. Instrument-based screening can often be performed at an earlier age than provider-based acuity testing and allows earlier screening for risk factors that are likely to lead to amblyopia and poor vision. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus have developed guidelines to help practitioners screen for vision problems at different ages (Table 1). View this table: Table 1. Age-Appropriate Methods for Pediatric Vision Screening and Criteria for Referral Vision screening allows the early detection of preventable vision-threatening or life-threatening conditions. Amblyopia, …

Purpose To assess the Pediatric Vision Scanner (PVS), a handheld vision screening device designed to test for amblyopia and strabismus, in a general pediatric population. Methods In this prospective study, trained research staff screened 300 eligible children 24-72 months of age with no known eye conditions for amblyopia and strabismus using the PVS. A pediatric ophthalmologist masked to PVS screening results then performed a comprehensive eye examination. Sensitivity and specificity of the PVS was calculated with a 95% confidence interval. Results Based on the gold standard eye examination, 6 children (2%) had amblyopia and/or strabismus. The PVS detected all 6 cases, yielding a sensitivity rate of 100% (95% CI, 54%-100%). The PVS referred 45 additional children (15%) who had normal ophthalmic findings, yielding a specificity rate of 85% (95% CI, 80%-89%). The median acquisition time for the PVS was 28 seconds. Conclusions The PVS detected amblyopia with high sensitivity in a nonenriched pediatric population. The device would allow children with amblyopia and/or strabismus to be referred to an eye care specialist as early as 2 years old. Given its short acquisition time, the PVS can be implemented in a pediatric clinic with minimal impact on workflow.

Background: Globally, glaucoma remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Early detection and treatment is mainstay of prevention of blindness from glaucoma. Purpose: This study was done to assess the perception and glaucoma screening practice of ophthalmologist in Nigeria. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered to all the ophthalmologists who attended the general plenary session of the 2013 annual conference of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN). Result: Of the 115 respondents, 63 (54.8%) were females; mean age was 39.7 ± 9.3 years. Majority 69 (60.0%) were less than 40 years old. Presence of systemic risk factors to glaucoma was reported by 19 (16.5%), out of which 9 (47.4%) were hypertension, 2 (10.5%) were Diabetes Mellitus, 2 (10.5%) were other cardiovascular diseases, and 6 were unspecified others. Among the respondents, 28 (24.3%) had positive family history; 29 (25.2%) had Myopia; and 3 (2.6%) were known glaucoma patients already on treatment. Majority 91 (79.1%) had positive attitude towards glaucoma screening. Although 98 (85.2%) have ever had a full eye examination, only 56 (48.7%) were routine. There was no statistically significant relationship between sex, age group, religion, positive family history, professional status, attitude and glaucoma screening. Conclusion: The attitude of Nigerian Ophthalmologists to glaucoma screening was high but actual screening practice was below expectation in view of their presumed high knowledge of the risk of blindness from glaucoma. In-house campaign aimed at promoting self-glaucoma screening among this high-cadre eye care providers is warranted.

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate adherence rates and identify barriers to receiving follow-up eye care in participants diagnosed with significant non-glaucomatous eye pathology in the Philadelphia Glaucoma Detection and Treatment Project. This community-based project aimed to improve detection, management, treatment, and follow-up eye care of individuals at high risk for glaucoma in community-based settings. Participants throughout Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA were enrolled. After a comprehensive eye examination, follow-up recommendations were given to each participant. A telephone survey was administered to individuals diagnosed with non-glaucomatous ocular pathology 3 months after initial eye examination to assess rates of follow-up and to evaluate potential barriers to follow-up. Of the 1649 participants enrolled in this project, 249 (15 %) were diagnosed with significant non-glaucomatous ocular pathology requiring follow-up care. There were 143 (57 %) who responded to the telephone survey. Respondents had a median age of 72 years, and were predominately female (69 %) and African-American (64 %). Of the respondents, 36 (25 %) attended a follow-up appointment. Participants who did not remember the results of their examinations, did not remember their recommendations, and had not seen an eye doctor within the past year were less likely to make a follow-up appointment (P = 0.04, 0.001 and 0.005, respectively). The Philadelphia Glaucoma Detection and Treatment Program was able to detect a significant amount of non-glaucomatous ocular pathology requiring follow-up care. Actual follow-up rates were sub-optimal. Further research is needed to determine interventions to overcome barriers and increase adherence with follow-up recommendations.

IMPORTANCE: Although low-income populations have more eye problems, whether they face greater difficulty obtaining eye care appointments is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To compare rates of obtaining eye care appointments and appointment wait times for those with Medicaid vs those with private insurance. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this prospective, cohort study conducted from January 1, 2017, to July 1, 2017, researchers made telephone calls to a randomly selected sample of vision care professionals in Michigan and Maryland stratified by neighborhood (urban vs rural) and professional type (ophthalmologist vs optometrist) to request the first available appointment. Appointments were sought for an adult needing a diabetic eye examination and a child requesting a routine eye examination for a failed vision screening. Researchers called each practice twice, once requesting an appointment for a patient with Medicaid and the other time for a patient with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance, and asked whether the insurance was accepted and, if so, when the earliest available appointment could be scheduled. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Rate of successfully made appointments and mean wait time for the first available appointment. RESULTS: A total of 603 telephone calls were made to 330 eye care professionals (414 calls [68.7%] to male and 189 calls [31.3%] to female eye care professionals). The sample consisted of ophthalmologists (303 [50.2%]) and optometrists (300 [49.8%]) located in Maryland (322 [53.4%]) and Michigan (281 [46.6%]). The rates of successfully obtaining appointments among callers were 61.5% (95% CI, 56.0%-67.0%) for adults with Medicaid and 79.3% (95% CI, 74.7%-83.9%) for adults with BCBS (P

Objectives We aimed to investigate the determinants of comprehensive eye examination in diabetes patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study at the eye department of the Douala General Hospital. Adult patients with diabetes were consecutively interviewed on the history of their diabetes. Main outcomes were a first ever comprehensive eye examination including fundoscopy, and diagnosis-to-fundoscopy time. Results 52 patients were included of whom 59.6% were males with a mean age of 55.9 ± 10.9 years. 51.9% have had counselling on the risk of visual impairment and blindness due to diabetes, and 61.5% [95% CI 47–74.7] have had a comprehensive eye examination. Of those with a first ever fundoscopy, only 21.9% had the test performed within 1 year of diagnosis. Thus, after an average of 10 years of the diagnosis of diabetes, 13.5% (7/52) of patients have had a comprehensive eye examination within 1 year of diagnosis. Only dose with duration of diabetes of more than 10 years were 7–24 times more likely to have a comprehensive eye examination. In summary, patients with diabetes in this low-income setting do not receive a comprehensive eye care as recommended. Most patients will get an eye examination at least 10 years after the diagnosis of diabetes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3265-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objectives/Aims: The aim was to investigate the vision of all 90 dentally qualified staff at a dental school. Materials and Methods: Ethical approval was obtained and a questionnaire-based survey conducted. Data were screened and analysed using Stata 13.1. The χ2 and Fisher’s Exact tests were used to test for significance with an alpha level of 0.05. Results: The participation rate was 95.6%. Most of the teachers (92%) considered their eyesight was satisfactory to practice dentistry. Of the 97% who had been tested at some stage, 15% had their eye examination due to sight deterioration with 22% needing correction. Almost two-thirds were myopic and a third were hyperopic. Forty-nine per cent wore spectacles only, with about a quarter of this group alternating between spectacles and contact lenses. Of those with corrected vision, 80% followed their optometrist’s recall advice. Four participants reported that they were colour blind. While 4% had had laser-eye surgery, a further 27% were interested in this. Magnification was used by 72% with no significant differences between genders, age of staff member, place of qualification or registration status. Most of the staff (81%) thought that screening of dental student’s eyesight should be mandatory, and regular eye examinations as a condition of dental practice was supported by 67%. Discussion: The number of teachers reporting recent vision tests was encouraging; nevertheless, a worrying 8% surveyed were unsure if their eyesight was satisfactory for work. The commonest vision problem was myopia, with almost half of the teachers wearing spectacles. It is clear that visual standards for dentistry would be helpful. Magnification use was high, with many non-users indicating their intention to buy loupes. Conclusions: Within the limits of this study the teachers were conscientious regarding their eye care, irrespective of their training and age. There was strong support for the mandatory testing of vision for all dentists and especially dental students.

PURPOSE Eye care practitioners (ECPs) acknowledge that their patients do not always follow recommendations for lens replacement, but many may not realize the possible implications for their offices. The study was conducted to investigate whether there is a relationship between contact lens compliance and the interval between full eye examinations (IEE). METHODS The study was conducted in ECP offices in the United States. Eye care practitioners and patients independently completed linked questionnaires, evaluating their contact lens wear and care. Patients were required to be current wearers of daily disposable (DD) lenses or reusable silicone hydrogel lenses with a manufacturer-recommended replacement frequency (MRRF) of 2 weeks (2WR) or 1 month (1MR). RESULTS A total of 2147 questionnaires from 141 offices were eligible. Fifty-four percent of patients were wearing 2WR, 37% 1MR, and 9% DD lenses. Wearers of 2WR lenses were significantly less compliant with replacement than wearers of both DD and 1MR lenses (34% vs. 74% and 67%, both p < 0.001); patients purchasing an annual supply were more compliant (55% vs. 45%, p < 0.001). The mean IEE was 16 months and was longer for wearers who were noncompliant with the MRRF (17.4 months vs. 14.5 months, p < 0.001). Other factors affecting IEE were household income (p = 0.030), insurance (p < 0.001), purchase source (p < 0.001), and sex (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Patients who were not compliant with the MRRF had longer IEEs and were less likely to purchase an annual supply of lenses. Patients who purchased lenses from their ECP, had a higher household income, had eye examination insurance, and were female had shorter IEEs. Patients failing to replace their lenses when scheduled were also found to be less compliant with lens care procedures. Eye care practitioners should reinforce the importance of all aspects of lens wear and care with their patients, with the overall aim of reducing possible complications and retaining successful contact lens wearers in their offices.

We examined the impact of an eye health education program for older African Americans on attitudes about eye care and utilization, using a randomized trial design in a community setting. Participants were older African Americans attending activities at senior centers. Ten centers were randomized to an eye health education (InCHARGE) or social-contact control presentation. InCHARGE addressed the importance of annual dilated comprehensive examination and strategies reducing barriers to care. The control presentation was on the importance of physical activity. Outcomes were attitudes about eye care 6 months post event through questionnaire and eye care utilization during 12 months post event through medical record abstraction. At baseline, more than 80% participants in both arms said transportation and finding, communicating, and trusting a doctor were not problematic and agreed that yearly care was important. One-fourth said eye examination cost was problematic; one-half said spectacle cost was problematic. There were no group differences 6 months post event. During the 12 months pre event, the dilated exam rate was similar in the groups (38.3% InCHARGE, 40.8% control) and unchanged during the 12 months post event. Results suggest fewer than half of older African Americans received annual dilated eye care. Group-administered eye health education did not increase this rate. Even before the program, they had positive attitudes about care, yet many cited examination and spectacle cost as problematic, which was not mitigated by health education. Evidence-based strategies in a community setting for increasing eye care utilization rate in older African Americans have yet to be identified. Policy changes may be more appropriate avenues for addressing cost. Trial Registration: NCT00591110, http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov

Purpose To examine how the introduction of free eye examinations in Scotland affected people's use of eye care services. Particularly, to assess if more people are now having their eyes examined regularly, and whether there are differences in the way people responded to the policy across socio-economic groups. Methods Using the British Household Panel Survey, eye test uptake and frequency in Scotland is compared to the rest of the UK pre and post policy. Propensity to have eye tests and responsiveness to the policy is compared across socio-economic groups. In addition, using data available from a chain of private ophthalmic opticians, clinical characteristics of eye examination patients are compared pre- and post-policy. Results There is evidence that suggests that people responded positively to the policy. In particular, a higher percentage of people in Scotland have their eyes tested after the free eye care policy was introduced. Interestingly, the response to the policy varies between the different socio-economic groups. For the highest earners and most educated groups, the proportion of people having an eye test increased more than for those groups with lower income or lower education. Conclusions Although the policy succeeded in getting more people to have their eyes tested, the socio-economic differences observed suggest that the policy has not reached the more vulnerable segments in society to the same extent, in particular, those with low education and low income. As a result, eye care services utilisation inequalities have widened in Scotland after the free eye care policy was introduced.

Purpose: Most causes of childhood visual impairment are either treatable or preventable. Eye health education plays an important role in reducing avoidable causes of visual impairment as well as to help ensure a healthy and educated community. The main objective of this study was to assess the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of the students and their parents on childhood eye services and barriers for accessing child eye care. Methods: The study was conducted in South Darfur State of Sudan between January and February 2015. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data from eight secondary schools. Four schools for boys and four schools for girls were randomly selected from a list of 21 districts of South Darfur State and the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices surveys were conducted with the students to collect quantitative data. In addition, seven focus group discussions were conducted with the children’s parents to collect qualitative data. Results: The majority (57.5%) of the students reported that they knew about refractive error; however, 33.07% reported never hearing about refractive error. About 70.3% of the respondents believed that uncorrected refractive error leads to visual impairment, 21% believed refractive error did not cause visual impairment and 30.5% reported that wearing spectacles was not effective in the treatment of refractive error. With regard to the information about eye healthcare, 88.1% of the participants reported they did not have enough information about eye care. The reported need for more information about prevention, treatment and symptoms was 34.0%, 31.4% and 17.5%, respectively. With regard to barriers, 80.6% of the students reported never having had their eyes tested. The most cited barriers were cost, fear of wearing spectacles and fear of an eye examination. In addition, 72.6% of students reported that their health insurance did not cover eye care services. Most (53.6%) of the parents believed that the cause of refractive error in children was poor nutrition. Common themes arising from the focus group discussions included parents reporting that they looked for traditional treatment for their children and preferring to receive child eye information from an eye specialist and through the television and radio. The most frequently cited barriers by the parents were high cost of the treatment, lack of eye care specialists, lack of awareness about child eye diseases and mistrust in eye care providers. Conclusion: The level of knowledge and practices about eye care and refractive error is low and perceptions about spectacles as a method for treatment for refractive error were fraught with misconceptions amongst students. There is a need for structured educational programmes to raise awareness regarding the effect and treatment modalities for childhood eye disease and visual impairment in order to address the barriers for accessing childhood eye care. Keywords: Children; school; eye care; spectacles; refractive error; knowledge;barriers; optometrist

One hundred and sixty-five pregnant Nigerian women attending the antenatal clinic of LAUTECH teaching hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria between January and April 2014 were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents were obtained. Respondents were also asked: if they had had their eye examined by an eye specialist during the index pregnancy, frequencies of visit to eye care centers and indications for their visitation. A history of previous eye examination by eye care specialist/visit to eye clinic was considered as eye care utilisation. Selection of eligible subjects who consented to participate in the study was done using simple random technique. Logistic regression model was used to control sociodemographic and obstetric factors in order to determine independent covariate factor influencing the use of eye care services. Among the population studied, only 46 (32%) had eye examination during the index pregnancy. Level of education and occupational status of the respondents were found to be statistically significant factors (p = 0.001 and 0.008, respectively). There is a need for a policy that will encourage regular eye care services usage during pregnancy.

Background The Wills Eye Vision Screening Program for Children is a community-based vision screening program for children in urban Philadelphia elementary schools that aims to provide vision screening, remedy refractive error by providing glasses, and refer children with suspected nonrefractive eye disease for eye care. Methods Children in grades K-5 from 45 Philadelphia elementary schools were screened for distance and near visual acuity, stereopsis, and color vision from January 2014 to June 2015. Children who failed were assessed by an on-site optometrist. Two pairs of eyeglasses were provided at no cost. Children with suspected, nonrefractive disease were referred to Wills Eye Hospital Pediatric Ophthalmology and contacted by a social worker to schedule an appointment. Results Over 84 days, 10,726 children were screened for vision problems at 45 schools. A total of 1,321 children (12%) had refractive error and 1,015 children (77%) returned the consent form and received two pairs of glasses. Of the 509 children (5%) referred to Wills Eye, 177 returned consent forms and were not being followed by an ophthalmologist. Of these, 127 children (72%) completed an eye examination at Wills. Conclusions The program described herein can provide comprehensive vision screening, with eyeglasses and/or referrals, to children within an underserved community.

To determine how people attending outreach eye care clinics in Papua New Guinea (PNG) perceive eye health and eye health services.An interview-based questionnaire was administrated to a convenience sample of 614 adult participants across four provinces and perceptions of eye health and eye health services were recorded. Presenting and near visual acuity were measured and cause of visual impairment (VI) determined.In this sample, 113/614 participants (18.4%) presented with distance VI, 16 (2.6%) with distance blindness, and 221 (47.6%) with near VI. Older participants and those with near VI were more likely to indicate that it is hard to have an eye examination due to travel time, lack of transport and transport costs. Female participants and those from underserved areas were more likely to report shame and fear of jealousy from others when asked about their attitudes towards spectacles. Participants reporting that they were willing to pay higher amounts for testing and spectacles/treatment also reported higher education levels, higher household incomes and were more likely to be male. A quarter of participants (25.9%) indicated that they did not like having an eye examination because their reading and writing was poor.People attending outreach eye care clinics in PNG reported finding it difficult to attend eye health services due to transport difficulties and anticipated high costs. Negative attitudes towards spectacles were also prevalent, and negative perceptions appeared more frequently among older participants and those with less education.

Purpose The Sight for Seniors (SFS) program was developed to provide eye care and eyeglasses to low-income seniors. Methods Residents from a Chicago Housing Authority senior development participated in SFS. A community liaison promoted SFS and enrolled residents. Patients received transportation, eye care that took place at the Illinois Eye Institute, and spectacles at no out-of-pocket cost. Results Eighty-nine patients were seen. The mean age was 71.8 years (standard deviation, 7.2). Fifty-six (62.9%) patients were women, and 73 (82.0%) were black. The last eye examination was reported within a year by 16 (18.0%), and 44 reported that their last medical examination was within 1 year. All patients required and received eyeglasses. Seventy-four (83.1%) improved Snellen distance visual acuity by 1 line or more and 26 (29.2%) by 3 lines or more. Twenty (22.5%) had glaucoma, and 9 had diabetic retinopathy. Sixty-three (70.8%) reported a history of hypertension (HTN) and 33 (37.1%) type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). HTN was controlled in 4 (15%) of those with HTN and DM and 12 (34.3%) of those with HTN but not DM. Conclusions Last reported eye examination, medical history, and examination findings support the need for eye care in this population. These findings are applicable to similar populations.