PURPOSE: To investigate the potential of a mobile ophthalmic unit in the schoolyard to improve the follow-up rate for children who have failed an optometric in-school screening program. Previously, the optometric program made referrals to the center and only 53% of students attended the desired ophthalmology consultation. METHODS: This was a cohort study of students conducted in elementary school lots in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. The mobile ophthalmic unit visited schools where students with parental consent who needed examination had been identified by an in-school optometric vision care program. RESULTS: A total of 132 students were referred by the optometric program, of whom 95 (72%) had complete signed consent forms. Eighty-two patients (62%, confidence interval: 54% to 70%) were successfully seen by the mobile unit. Compared to the historical rate of successful completion of ophthalmology consultation (53%), a statistically significant improvement in follow-up was noted (P = .036). On a Likert scale of 1 to 5, the mean school nurse satisfaction rating was 4.8. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate the potential impact of mobile eye clinics at schools in connecting children with ophthalmic care. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2016;53(6):344-348.]. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.
PURPOSE: To investigate the potential of a mobile ophthalmic unit in the schoolyard to improve the follow-up rate for children who have failed an optometric in-school screening program. Previously, the optometric program made referrals to the center and only 53% of students attended the desired ophthalmology consultation. METHODS: This was a cohort study of students conducted in elementary school lots in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. The mobile ophthalmic unit visited schools where students with parental consent who needed examination had been identified by an in-school optometric vision care program. RESULTS: A total of 132 students were referred by the optometric program, of whom 95 (72%) had complete signed consent forms. Eighty-two patients (62%, confidence interval: 54% to 70%) were successfully seen by the mobile unit. Compared to the historical rate of successful completion of ophthalmology consultation (53%), a statistically significant improvement in follow-up was noted (P = .036). On a Likert scale of 1 to 5, the mean school nurse satisfaction rating was 4.8. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate the potential impact of mobile eye clinics at schools in connecting children with ophthalmic care. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2016;53(6):344-348.]. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.