Devanathan, NirupamaScheive, MelanieNawash, Baraa S.Selvam, AmrishMurphy, AlecMorrow, McKennaAnant, ShrutiChen, NickolasMartin, Elizabeth A.Kruger, Jessica S.Yung, Chi-Wah RudyJohnson, Thomas V.2024-05-282024-05-282024Devanathan N, Scheive M, Nawash BS, et al. Capabilities and Limitations of Student-Led Free Vision Screening Programs in the United States. Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2024;13(1):9. doi:10.1167/tvst.13.1.9https://hdl.handle.net/1805/41040Purpose: The Consortium of Student-Led Eye Clinics (CSLEC), founded in 2021, administered a comprehensive survey to document the types of services, most common diagnoses, and follow-up care protocols offered by student-led free vision screening programs (SLFVSP) in the United States. Methods: An 81-question institutional review board (IRB)-approved survey was administered to student-led vision screening eye clinics from October 1, 2022 to February 24, 2023. Results: Sixteen SLFVSPs were included in the final analysis, of which 81% (n = 13) conducted variations of fundoscopic examinations and 75% (n = 12) measured intraocular pressure. Cataracts and diabetic retinopathy were reported as the most frequent diagnoses by the majority of SLFVSPs (n = 9, 56%); non-mobile SLFVSPs more commonly reported cataract as a frequent diagnosis (P < 0.05). Most patients screened at participating programs were uninsured or met federal poverty guidelines. Prescription glasses were offered by 56% of the programs (n = 9). SLFVSPs that directly scheduled follow-up appointments reported higher attendance rates (66.5%) than those that only sent referrals (20%). Transportation was the most cited barrier for follow-up appointment attendance. Conclusions: SLFVSPs, one community vision screening initiative subtype, vary significantly in scope and capabilities of identifying vision threatening disease. The follow-up infrastructure is not uniformly robust and represents a key target for improving care delivery to at-risk populations. Translational relevance: The CSLEC aims to develop a consensus-based standardization for the scope of screening services, offer guidelines for diagnostic criteria, promote real-time data stewardship, and identify means to improve follow-up care mechanisms in member communities.en-USAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 InternationalVision screeningHealth equityPopulation healthSurveys and questionnairesArticle