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Health fair glaucoma screening: follow-up evaluation
L Skorin1, R F Multack, J N Holtzman
1Department of Ophthalmology, Metropolitan Hospital, Grand Rapids, Mich.
The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
|July 11, 1991
Summary
Glaucoma screening follow-up is poor in inner-city populations. Most individuals with abnormal results did not seek recommended medical eye care, highlighting a need for improved patient education and physician referrals.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Glaucoma screening is common at health fairs.
- Established guidelines exist for screening techniques, instrumentation, and target populations.
- Limited data is available on the effectiveness of follow-up for abnormal screening results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the 6-month follow-up compliance of individuals with abnormal tonometry results from an inner-city health screening.
- To identify barriers to seeking appropriate medical eye care after abnormal glaucoma screening.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month prospective follow-up was conducted on individuals with abnormal tonometric results identified at an inner-city osteopathic hospital.
- Screening involved 218 subjects, with 15 showing abnormal tonometry readings.
Main Results:
- Only 7 of the 15 individuals with abnormal results were reached at follow-up.
- Four individuals sought no further eye care.
- Two sought non-medical evaluation, and only one sought medical ocular care, later diagnosed with glaucoma.
Conclusions:
- Compliance with recommended medical eye care following abnormal glaucoma screening is inadequate in this inner-city population.
- Enhanced patient education and prompt physician referrals are crucial for improving outcomes.
- Interventions are needed to address barriers to accessing timely and appropriate eye care.