The use of a mobile van for school vision screening: results of 63 841 evaluations
Griffith, Joseph F.; Wilson, Rhonda; Cimino, Heather C.; Patthoff, Mayme; Martin, Daniel F.; Traboulsi, Elias I.
Abstract
Between 2002 and 2014, 63,841 evaluations were performed using a mobile van visiting all elementary schools in Cleveland, Ohio, representing approximately 55% of eligible children. Overall, 6386 (10.0%) of children met 1 or more referral criteria: 5355 (8.39%) received glasses, 873 (1.37%) had amblyopia, and 1125 (1.76%) had strabismus. Over the 12-year period, there was no statistically significant change in the prevalence of strabismus or amblyopia among first grade students, indicating the need for continued vision screening and treatment services. A van-based model, traveling directly to schools, appears to be effective in reaching young children in underserved communities.