While eye and vision problems are often associated with age, low income and racial and ethnic minorities also have elevated risk of eye problems. Federally-funded community health centers, which are mandated to provide comprehensive primary care in underserved communities, are often the only option to improve vision health for low-income residents. The authors conclude thayt strategies to improve access to vision care must go beyond developing financial incentives and restoring eye care professionals for eligible placements in underserved communities, to include education about the importance of routine eye care exams.
The report was authored by Peter Shin and Brad Finnegan.