Research

Improving Access to Refractive Services in Adults: A Health Examination Center-Based Model

The study aimed to evaluate a health examination center-based screening model for uncorrected refractive error in China. They examined individuals aged 18 and above during routine physical examinations at a hospital in Northeast China. The study performed various eye tests, including visual acuity, autorefraction, tonometry, fundus photography, and slit-lamp examination, to identify refractive errors. They defined uncorrected refractive error as refractive error combined with poor visual acuity in the better eye. The study found a high prevalence of myopia (38.7%) and hyperopia (23.5%) among participants. The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error was 7.85%. Factors associated with uncorrected refractive error included being female, older age, and having myopia. The study also assessed the cost-effectiveness of the screening model, with the cost per case of refractive error identification being $3.2 and $25.2 for uncorrected refractive error. The findings suggest that health examination center-based screening could provide an efficient and cost-effective way to address uncorrected refractive error in urban Chinese adults, a significant public health issue in China.

Publication date

October 28, 2021

Publication

Frontiers in Medicine

Sponsor Institution

National Key Research and Development Program of China, the Basic Scientific Research Program of Wenzhou, Key Innovation and Guidance Program of the Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Shenyang Key Technology Research and Development Project, Ulverscroft Foundation (UK)

Authors

Haishuang Lin, Jing Sun, Nathan Congdon, Meiping Xu, Shanshan Liu, Yuanbo Liang, Hailin Wang, Shaodan Zhang
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