In this study, the authors analysed data from a community vision screening program to determine the efficiency of vision screening in reaching lower income populations. The study used ArcGIS (Esri) mapping software to develop a visual representation of areas needing vision screening. They reviewed 21,663 screens from 216 locations across 83 ZIP codes in California over a three-year period. This area included 7037 childcare centres with capacity for 395,167 children. The results were split to two groups: those above or below the US median household income. A significant positive correlation between capacity per family and median income was found – larger facilities were found in higher income communities. Plotting these facilities served to identify locations for vision screening to access the greatest number of children in lowest income communities. However, where less facilities were found in underserved communities, this was suggested to cause an access issue and barrier to vision screening provision. The mapping system has helped to prioritise where to choose locations for vision screening, placing adverts for screening and to target higher capacity facilities in lower income communities to maximise reach.
Mapping areas to target location of vision screening services
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
Reaching target communities in a community preschool vision screening program.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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