Evaluation of implementing a school-based vision care program using mobile eye exam lanes.

PurposeVisual impairment in children is a significant public health issue, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Vision screening by schools and pediatricians have had limited success in resolving this concern. This study examined the outcomes, challenges, and demographics of the MobilEyes program, a school-based mobile eye care initiative in Rochester, New York. MethodsDuring the 2022-2023 academic year, students in PreK, K, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grade underwent visual acuity screening per New York State Guidelines. A positive screen was visual acuity <20/40 for kindergarteners or younger and <20/30 for 1st graders or older. Children who failed vision screening and whose parents provided consent for school-based eye examination subsequently underwent cycloplegic refraction and dilated fundus examination by a pediatric ophthalmologist. Demographics subgroups were analyzed by school, school region, and grade level. Results1399 students from six schools underwent vision screening, of which 387 (27.7%) failed the initial screening. From those, 125 (32.3%) returned signed parental consent forms and 108 (27.9%) underwent full eye examinations. Of this group, 68 (63.0%) were prescribed glasses, and 40 (37.0%) did not require glasses prescription and were considered false positives. Significantly more urban students failed their vision screening than suburban students, 32.8% vs 22.5% (p<0.001), and urban students had a lower false positive vision screening result (meaning that they failed their vision screening but were found to have a normal exam) than suburban students 27.6% vs 48% (p=0.047). Across all schools we found statistically significant differences between grade levels in the number failing vision screening (p<0.001) and returning consent forms (p=0.021). ConclusionOur data highlights the need for additional support of school screening and full eye examinations, especially in urban regions. Future studies should address the challenges of high vision screening false positivity percentages and obtaining parental consents to perform eye examinations.