Browsing by Author "Kruger, Jessica S."

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    Capabilities and Limitations of Student-Led Free Vision Screening Programs in the United States
    (Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), 2024) Devanathan, Nirupama; Scheive, Melanie; Nawash, Baraa S.; Selvam, Amrish; Murphy, Alec; Morrow, McKenna; Anant, Shruti; Chen, Nickolas; Martin, Elizabeth A.; Kruger, Jessica S.; Yung, Chi-Wah Rudy; Johnson, Thomas V.; Ophthalmology, School of Medicine
    Purpose: 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.
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    Recommendations for the optimization of student led free vision screening programs
    (Springer Nature, 2024-12-18) Devanathan, Nirupama; Scheive, Melanie; Selvam, Amrish; Nawash, Baraa S.; Murphy, Alec; Morrow, McKenna; Anant, Shruti; Kruger, Jessica S.; Yung, Chi-Wah Rudy; Johnson, Thomas V.; Ophthalmology, School of Medicine
    Purpose: To report the summary characteristics of operational models associated with Student Led Free Vision Screening Programs (SLFVSP) and to identify opportunities for program optimization. Methods: An 81-question mixed methods survey was distributed to SLFVSP leaders nationwide and Medical Student Educators within the American University Ophthalmology Professors (AUPO) Association. Survey responses were analyzed using Mann Whitney U and Fisher's Exact tests. Themes considering the assets and liabilities of SLFVSPs were summarized using self-reported qualitative data from survey responses. Qualitative and quantitative themes considering were then synthesized into a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats (SWOT) analysis for a collective appraisal of SLFVSP operations. Finally, drivers were identified to generate change ideas to improve SLFVP operations through a collaborative, quality improvement model. Results: A total of 16 survey responses were included from programs operational for a median of 6 years. Most respondent programs (n = 9) reported year-long operations; no preference between weekday (n = 8) and weekend (n = 7) screening activities was identified. Programs obtained funding from a diverse array of internal and external sources. There was no significant difference in wait time for scheduled appointments compared to a walk-in strategy; overall door-to-door visit times ranged from 15 min to 120 min. Screenings were held in several locations, most commonly in Federally Qualified Health Centers (n = 8) and religious centers (n = 6). Most screening event volunteers were first- and second-year medical students. The qualitative thematic analysis demonstrated that the most commonly self-reported asset was improving access to scarce vision screening services (n = 7) while the most commonly self-reported liability was difficulty recruiting faculty and/or resident for oversight (n = 5). The SWOT analysis revealed while the participant SLFVSPs were bolstered by site experience, community and corporate partnerships for glasses and space to hold vision screening, and institutional support from academic ophthalmology departments, limitations included difficulty with recruitment, space limitations, and poor follow-up care infrastructure. Conclusion: Collaborative standardization of SLFVSP operations can promote targeted staff training, organizational stewardship, and consensus building to ensure SLFVSP can offer sustainable vision screening programs that build vision equity at the community level.