Caridad Clinic Part of National Test of New Eye Exam, Record Set for Tests Completed

Latinos and African Americans Highest Populations at Risk Tested For Undetected Eye Disease and Visual Impairment 308 Individuals Screened In 4.5 Hours
By: Brian Feldman
 
Jan. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- Boynton Beach, Florida -- Caridad Clinic recently participated in a four-city test of a new visual impairment screening exam developed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) that significantly increased the number of people who can be seen using conventional programs.  
The AAO report just released said the program used a new algorithm to screen Latinos and African Americans, the highest populations at risk for undetected eye disease and visual impairment, rather than conventional disease-oriented testing.  Caridad joined Los Angeles, Chicago and Fort Worth in the pilot program.
The AAO report for the EyeSmart EyeCheck program, said 308 individuals were screened in 4.5 hours by 15 Palm Beach County volunteer ophthalmologists from the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, a new state record for these events.

The population screened at the Caridad health fair in Boynton Beach last November consisted of largely working-age, 40–64 years old, Hispanic and non-English speakers.  The vast majority of individuals did not have insurance and did not have a regular source for eye care.  The mission of Caridad Center is to upgrade the health, education and living standards of underserved children and families in Palm Beach County, Fla.
   The AAO findings for the Caridad screening were:
•   Overall, 24% had functional visual impairment due to eye conditions such as refractive error, cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy;
•   19% had visual impairment due to conditions such as pterygium, dry eye or other conditions;
•   One individual, or 0.3 percent, was found to have age-related macular degeneration;
•   5.5% or 18 individuals were found to have “other” eye problems;
•   57% of the individuals were found to have no sign of eye disease or no uncorrected refractive error.
“The study showed the value of the new screening method for this high-risk group,” said Dr. Louis Feldgoise, Caridad’s volunteer Ophthalmology Coordinator. Patients identified as needing further treatment were mainly followed up within the Caridad Vision Program itself, Dr. Feldgoise said.  Several patients were referred to physicians in the private sector who have agreed to participate in the EyeSmart program, or other private ophthalmology practices that have cooperated with the Caridad Vision Program on an ongoing volunteer basis throughout the year.  
Caridad operates free medical, vision and dental clinics that provide vital health services to the uninsured, working poor.  In fiscal year 2010-11, Caridad had 25,256 patient visits, making it the largest clinic of its kind in Florida.  The medical services at Caridad Center saves millions of dollars in uncompensated hospital care for the taxpayers of Palm Beach County by reducing the number of patients who use emergency room services because they have nowhere else to go. Caridad is not supported with federal funds.
A staff 17 full-time and 26 part-time employees work to support the efforts of more than 300 dedicated volunteers, including doctors, dentists, nurses, teachers, clinic assistants and administrative help.  Through outreach and education programs, Caridad Center also offers homework assistance, college scholarships, holiday programs and emergency services for patients in financial crisis. For more information, visit our Web site at www.caridadclinic.org.
End
Source:Brian Feldman
Email:***@caridad.org Email Verified
Zip:33433-
Tags:Caridad Center, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Vision Screening, Eye Disease, Visual Impairment
Industry:Medical
Location:Boca Raton - Florida - United States
Account Email Address Verified     Disclaimer     Report Abuse
Trending News
Most Viewed
Top Daily News



Like PRLog?
9K2K1K
Click to Share