Awareness of ocular diagnosis, transportation means, and barriers to ophthalmology follow-up in the Philadelphia Telemedicine Glaucoma Detection and Follow-up Study

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess factors affecting follow-up eye care in participants enrolled in the Philadelphia Telemedicine Glaucoma Detection and Follow-up Study, such as awareness of ocular diagnosis, availability of transportation methods, and reasons for missing eye care appointments.

Methods: The sample included 172 participants who were randomized to the intervention group and contacted by the social worker.

Results: A total of 155 participants completed the assessment form, which was used as an instrument to assess factors affecting adherence to follow-up eye care. The main reasons for missing eye exam appointments were feeling ill (38.1%, n = 59) and forgetting the appointment (34.2%, n = 53). In addition, 45 (29.2%) participants were unaware of or did not comprehend the severity of their ocular diagnosis. Common methods of transportation included public transportation (31.6%, n = 49), driving (29.7%, n = 46), and being driven (27.7%, n = 43) to their appointment.

Conclusion: These results suggest that individuals in need of eye care may benefit from additional assistance of a social worker regarding ongoing eye exam appointment reminders and in-depth explanation of their ocular diagnosis.

KEYWORDS:

• Social support
• social worker
• adherence
• follow-up
• eye care
• barriers

Conflicts of Interest

None of the authors have any proprietary interests or conflicts of interest related to this submission.

This submission has not been published anywhere previously and is not simultaneously being considered for any other publication.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vision Health Initiative [U01 DP005127].