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.