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Mobile vision clinic yields more exams, high satisfaction
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Mobile eye clinics can conveniently connect children with vision care and aid in minimizing children’s time away from the classroom, according to researchers in the Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
Eighty-two patients were successfully seen by the mobile unit, Wills on Wheels, which was a collaboration between Wills Eye Hospital and the National Football League Philadelphia Eagles Eye Mobile. A total of 132 students at 21 schools were identified by school nurses as needing pediatric ophthalmology consultation.
“Compared to the previous rate of 53%,” researchers wrote, “[82 students (62%)] was a statistically significant improvement in connecting children who have failed their school vision screenings with ophthalmic care.”
The researchers polled 21 nurses on the service. Twenty answered that they would like to have the Wills on Wheels (WOW) back next year. When asked whether they prefer the free transport program for follow-up care or WOW coming to the school, a total of 16 responded: 14 nurses preferred WOW, one likes both equally and one preferred going to the hospital.
All cited convenience as a major advantage to the program.
Researchers noted a significant increase in the rate of completions of the consultation compared to their past experience of having the children transported to the hospital.
Disclosure: The authors reported no relevant financial disclosures.
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