Presentations

Although glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the United States and the prevalence is expected to increase from 3 million to 6.3 million people by 2050, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concluded in both their 2013 and 2022 recommendations that there

• Columbia University
• University of Alabama Birmingham
• University of Michigan

The objective of our study was to test instruments, implement protocols, and collect preliminary data for a larger 5-year study, which aims to improve detection of eye diseases and follow-up eye care in vulnerable populations using community health workers (CHW) and patient navigators. In the study, trained CHWs conducted vision screening and patient navigators scheduled on-site eye exams and arranged appointments for those referred to ophthalmology to improve adherence to follow-up eye care.

• Columbia University
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Community-engaged research (CER) enables researchers to identify community-specific barriers and facilitators to program implementation. Broadly applicable barriers to glaucoma care, such as Cost, Transportation, and Trust, and community-specific barriers, such as Language and Convenience/Access, were identified. The aim was to identify the facilitators and barriers to implementing glaucoma screening programs in 2 community clinics.

• University of Michigan

The study will implement and evaluate a telemedicine-based detection strategy for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases in at-risk patients seen at federally qualified health centers located in rural Alabama. The study will compare the effectiveness of the remote use of structural and functional ocular imaging devices to an in-person examination. Study participants will receive a remote ocular assessment consisting of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, visual field testing, and imaging of the retina and optic nerve with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and the data will be reviewed by an ophthalmologist and optometrist.

• University of Alabama Birmingham
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Michigan Screening and Intervention for Glaucoma and eye Health through Telemedicine (MI-SIGHT) program leverages community-engaged research, telemedicine, and health coaching to overcome key logistical and psychosocial barriers to improve glaucoma screening in underserved communities. The MI-SIGHT Program uses community engagement, telemedicine, and health coaching to overcome key logistical and psychosocial barriers to glaucoma identification and care among underserved populations.

• University of Michigan
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention