1998/10/01 by Barbara P. Yawn, Margary Kurland, Linda Butterfield +1
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.1998.tb00592.x
crossref issued 1998/10/01 · crossref published 1998/10/01 · crossref published-print 1998/10/01 · crossref published-online 2009/10/09 · crossref created 2009/10/10 · crossref deposited 2023/10/28 · crossref indexed 2026/07/28
ABSTRACT: School vision screening provides an effective way to identify children who require vision therapy, usually glasses. To benefit from screening, children with abnormal screening test results must receive follow‐up eye care, but care may be delayed for months or years. This project used community focus groups in Rochester, Minn., to identify barriers that may delay seeking professional care following school vision screening. Major barriers identified included lack of community awareness about the frequency and potential effect of refractive errors in children, a parental perception of inadequate communication between schools and the parents and community, high cost of corrective lenses, limited availability of convenient eye care appointments, and adolescents reluctance to wear glasses. Program planners developed a community action plan to address the perceived barriers.