Sight for seniors: A summary of findings and challenges to providing community-based eye care to low-income seniors

PurposeThe Sight for Seniors (SFS) program was developed to provide eye care and eyeglasses to low-income seniors.MethodsResidents from a Chicago Housing Authority senior development participated in SFS. A community liaison promoted SFS and enrolled residents. Patients received transportation, eye care that took place at the Illinois Eye Institute, and spectacles at no out-of-pocket cost.ResultsEighty-nine patients were seen. The mean age was 71.8 years (standard deviation, 7.2). Fifty-six (62.9%) patients were women, and 73 (82.0%) were black. The last eye examination was reported within a year by 16 (18.0%), and 44 reported that their last medical examination was within 1 year. All patients required and received eyeglasses. Seventy-four (83.1%) improved Snellen distance visual acuity by 1 line or more and 26 (29.2%) by 3 lines or more. Twenty (22.5%) had glaucoma, and 9 had diabetic retinopathy. Sixty-three (70.8%) reported a history of hypertension (HTN) and 33 (37.1%) type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). HTN was controlled in 4 (15%) of those with HTN and DM and 12 (34.3%) of those with HTN but not DM.ConclusionsLast reported eye examination, medical history, and examination findings support the need for eye care in this population. These findings are applicable to similar populations.