Randomized controlled trial evaluating a novel community eye care programme for elderly individuals with visual...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Elderly individuals with visual impairment (VI) from low socioeconomic backgrounds often miss crucial tertiary eye care appointments.
• Community eye screenings detect significant eye diseases but follow-up compliance remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel incentive care scheme (ICS) designed to improve compliance with tertiary eye care referrals.
• To assess the impact of ICS on visual acuity and vision-related quality of life in elderly individuals with VI.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 140 elderly participants with VI was conducted.
• Participants were randomized to either an ICS group (education, social support, financial aid) or usual care (UC).
• Primary outcome was compliance to eye care referral; secondary outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity and vision-related quality of life.

Main Results:

• The ICS group showed significantly higher compliance rates to tertiary eye care (31.9%) compared to the UC group (16.2%, P = 0.027).
• Both groups experienced significant improvements in best-corrected visual acuity, but no significant differences in vision-related quality of life were observed.
• Key barriers to tertiary healthcare access included patient attitudes and financial/health-related issues.

Conclusions:

• The pilot RCT demonstrates that an ICS effectively enhances adherence to tertiary eye care referrals for elderly individuals with VI.
• The findings highlight the importance of addressing socioeconomic and attitudinal barriers to improve eye health outcomes in this population.