This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
New approach to services improves access to eye care in France
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
CHICAGO – By implementing home eye and vision care services and a mobile optometry clinic in an underprivileged population in France, a multidisciplinary team of providers administered eye care to more than 3,000 people, according to a poster presented here at the World Council of Optometry.
Jean Paul Roosen, president of the Vision Solidarite Developpement in France, reported that 22% of France’s underprivileged population receives no eye and vision care due to either low income, mental or physical challenges, or being elderly.
A team of ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians was formed; a nongovernmental organization was developed to raise funds for equipment; and outreach camps were organized to deliver services to the homeless, those in nursing homes and people with learning difficulties.
Dr. Roosen reported that 3,149 people were screened and examined and 1,237 received spectacles, ophthalmic treatments and surgery.
“Cost is not the main barrier to eye and vision care service;” Dr. Roosen stated in the poster, “the lack of accessibility, administrative complexity and little interest from the community are the main obstacles.
“The study proves that the need exists, and the solution is to build a permanent eye and vision care service,” he concluded.
He also noted the valuable opportunity for optometry students to develop social responsibility by understanding the underprivileged world.