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Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of OrCam on vision-related quality of life of patients with legal blindness and end-stage glaucoma. OrCam is a device comprised of a camera and earpiece attached to the user's eyeglass that translates written text to speech. Methods: In this prospective, observational study, a total of 27 participants were recruited and tested. All participants were legally blind. Participants were provided with the OrCam device during the study period and trained how to operate it. National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) and other questionnaires were given to participants at the baseline visit and at the end of the 4-week study for comparison. Additional questions were surveyed weekly during the study to monitor progress. Results: At the final visit after 1 month, most participants, 74.1% (n = 20/27), reported an increase in their overall quality of life. Participants were highly satisfied with the device; 88.9% (n = 24/27) reported being "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the device. The NEI-VFQ-25 near vision subscale score improved from 29.9 to 37.2 (p =.045). Discussion: OrCam allowed participants with legal blindness to read independently when in controlled settings, subsequently improving their quality of life. However, users had more difficulty using the device when the location of text was not readily apparent (e.g., street signs, billboards), and users with some degree of vision had an easier time aligning the device with the text. Implications for practitioners: This device may offer participants with visual impairments the opportunity to read independently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Maternal-fetal medicine is a rapidly growing field requiring collaboration from many subspecialties. We provide an evidence-based estimate of capacity needs for our clinic, as well as demonstrate how simulation can aid in capacity planning in similar environments. Methods A Discrete Event Simulation of the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment and Special Delivery Unit at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was designed and validated. This model was then used to determine the time until demand overwhelms inpatient bed availability under increasing capacity. Findings No significant deviation was found between historical inpatient censuses and simulated censuses for the validation phase (p = 0.889). Prospectively increasing capacity was found to delay time to balk (the inability of the center to provide bed space for a patient in need of admission). With current capacity, the model predicts mean time to balk of 276 days. Adding three beds delays mean time to first balk to 762 days; an additional six beds to 1,335 days. Conclusion Providing sufficient access is a patient safety issue, and good planning is crucial for targeting infrastructure investments appropriately. Computer-simulated analysis can provide an evidence base for both medical and administrative decision making in a complex clinical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of educational workshops, led by community health educators, on the level of knowledge, perceived risk of glaucoma, and rate of attendance in a subsequent glaucoma detection examination.Methods: Participants attended an educational workshop about glaucoma and completed an 8-question pre- and post-test to assess knowledge. A paired samples t-test assessed mean differences in composite pre- and post-test scores, correct responses for each question, and perceived risk of glaucoma after the workshop.Results: Seven hundred and seven (707) pre- and post-test surveys were completed. There was a significant increase in the level of knowledge about glaucoma as reflected in the pre- and post-test composite scores (M=3.86, SD=1.95 vs. M=4.97, SD=1.82, P<0.001). In the 5 largest community sites, 44% (n=221/480) of the participants who attended an educational workshop scheduled a glaucoma detection examination appointment and 76% (n=160/211) of these participants completed this eye examination in the community setting.Conclusions: Educational workshops increased knowledge and awareness about glaucoma and were helpful in recruiting patients for community-based glaucoma detection examinations.Practice Implications: We recommend including educational workshops when conducting community-based outreach programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]