The challenges to ophthalmologic follow-up care in at-risk pediatric populations.

Publication/Presentation Date

4-1-2013

Abstract

PURPOSE: To identify barriers to ophthalmological follow-up in high-risk children who are identified by vision screening and eye examination.

METHODS: The records of patients identified as needing follow-up through two free eye care programs (organized optometric and ophthalmologic screening sessions aimed at identifying and treating ocular pathology) targeted toward inner-city youths of low socioeconomic status were reviewed. Parents were contacted by phone, and a questionnaire on barriers to follow-up was administered. Callers attempted to schedule appointments at that time. Data were assessed by means of descriptive analysis.

RESULTS: Of 93 patients, 54 (58%), were successfully contacted. Of these, 23 (25%) were eventually scheduled. Five (5%) patients elected follow-up elsewhere. Twenty (22%) with working phones were still unable to be scheduled. Additional obstacles included families' lack of awareness of the need for follow-up (13%), assumption by families that they would be contacted (5%), scheduling conflicts (4%), concerns about insurance, and difficulty finalizing referrals (2%). A total of 39 patients (42%) were not successfully contacted because of inoperable phone services, and none of the families responded to the mailed questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS: Inability to contact families was the greatest barrier to follow-up. Our findings suggest that immediate arrangement of follow-up care, on-site visual assessment, and a program director may be useful in increasing follow-up for high-risk children.

Volume

17

Issue

2

First Page

140

Last Page

143

ISSN

1528-3933

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

23622446

Department(s)

Fellows and Residents

Document Type

Article

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