Reducing visual health disparities in at-risk community health center populations

Abstract

Community health centers (CHCs) have an impressive record of addressing health disparities through consistently delivering high-quality and affordable care in a culturally competent manner, while also producing cost savings to the nation's healthcare system. Thus CHCs are optimally positioned to reduce visual health disparities and improve visual health outcomes by being included in the primary care services that they deliver. An estimated three million health center patients have risk factors for vision disorders and eye disease, yet a recent policy briefing survey conducted by The George Washington University reported that about 20 percent of centers provide on-site eye and vision care.