Outcomes of Pediatric Ophthalmology Referrals Following School- and Community-Based Vision Screening: Five-Year Retrospective Analysis of Referral Cases with Caregiver Telephone Survey.

PURPOSE: The University of California, Irvine (UCI) Eye Mobile provides vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams for children, with referrals to pediatric ophthalmologists as needed. This study evaluates the indications for these referrals, follow-up rates, patient-reported outcomes, and appointment wait times.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of de-identified records from UCI Eye Mobile patients referred to pediatric ophthalmologists. Additionally, telephone interviews were held with parents of referred children.

RESULTS

Between the academic years of 2018-19 and 2022-23, 3619 children received eye exams through the UCI Eye Mobile. Of these, 75 (2.1%; 95% CI 1.7-2.6%) were referred to pediatric ophthalmologists. The primary referral reasons included strabismus (32.0%), optic nerve or posterior segment evaluation (26.7%), and amblyopia (14.7%). Among surveyed families, 95.5% (95% CI 84.9-98.7%) secured a follow-up appointment. Outcomes for children who were evaluated by a specialist included new glasses or patching therapy (78.1%), routine follow-up (9.4%), and surgery (9.4%). Among children with available post-referral outcomes, 93.5% (95% CI 79.3-98.2%) showed caregiver-reported improvement. Follow-up and improvement outcomes were based on caregiver telephone survey responses, obtained from 44 of 75 referred families (58.7%). The median wait time for a pediatric ophthalmologist was 8.0 weeks (IQR 6.0-13.0 weeks).

CONCLUSIONS

The UCI Eye Mobile plays a crucial role in early detection and referral for pediatric ocular conditions requiring ophthalmologic care. However, delays in care due to prolonged wait times and limited healthcare access persist, particularly in underserved populations. Addressing these barriers is critical to improving timely access to pediatric ophthalmologic services.