PURPOSE: The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) began the ReFocus on Children Program to assist school nurses in providing vision screening for at-risk children in the Charleston County School District in South Carolina. METHODS: In 2012 to 2013, 2,750 low-income school children ages 3 to 5 years were screened using the Plusoptix Vision screener (Atlanta, GA). Further examinations were performed on 419 (56%) children referred and glasses prescribed and provided for 192 children (positive predictive value 46%). In 2013, teacher feedback questionnaires were sent to the 23 schools. RESULTS: Teacher feedback questionnaires had a 49% response rate. Of teachers responding to the questionnaire, 70% reported the children liked wearing their glasses. Teachers provided observations of positive impact, including improved academic performance. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses appreciated that the entire process was efficient and completed in school, simplifying care and follow-up. The authors encourage partnerships between schools, nonprofit agencies, and healthcare providers to improve screening and access to comprehensive vision care for young children. Copyright 2015, SLACK Incorporated.
PURPOSE: The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) began the ReFocus on Children Program to assist school nurses in providing vision screening for at-risk children in the Charleston County School District in South Carolina. METHODS: In 2012 to 2013, 2,750 low-income school children ages 3 to 5 years were screened using the Plusoptix Vision screener (Atlanta, GA). Further examinations were performed on 419 (56%) children referred and glasses prescribed and provided for 192 children (positive predictive value 46%). In 2013, teacher feedback questionnaires were sent to the 23 schools. RESULTS: Teacher feedback questionnaires had a 49% response rate. Of teachers responding to the questionnaire, 70% reported the children liked wearing their glasses. Teachers provided observations of positive impact, including improved academic performance. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses appreciated that the entire process was efficient and completed in school, simplifying care and follow-up. The authors encourage partnerships between schools, nonprofit agencies, and healthcare providers to improve screening and access to comprehensive vision care for young children. Copyright 2015, SLACK Incorporated.