AHEC coordinated efforts to implement a 2-day comprehensive eye exam initiative for diabetic patients in rural Greene County on June 12 and 13, 2009. This project is a collaborative effort of SW PA AHEC, the University of Pittsburgh Ophthalmology Department, and Cornerstone Care, a federally qualified health center in Greene County. 55 patients were seen during these two days.
Dr. Jake Waxman, UPMC Ophthalmology Residency Director, along with UPMC Ophthalmology Residents and medical students from the University of Pittsburgh volunteered their services to provide needed eye care to this vulnerable population. Dr. Waxman created the "Guerilla Eye Service", a volunteer mobile eye squad that can respond to needs in underserved communities. They have provided eye services to multiple communities of need.
Cornerstone Care had been having difficulty obtaining eye examinations for their diabetic population. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults in the United States. Since 2007, over 8 total days, approximately 280 diabetic patients from Cornerstone Care have been given comprehensive eye exams by the team of doctors and students from the University of Pittsburgh. 85% of these patients had not had an eye exam in over a year, and many had not ever had a complete eye exam.
Arrangements were made with Lens Crafters to provide free eye glasses for patients in the project who needed eye glasses. UPMC will follow up with any patients who require additional care. The physicians in the ophthalmology residency have agreed to administer eye exams to patients of Cornerstone Care every 6 months. Thus far, it is estimated that over $45,000 in free eye care has been provided.
This project provides a model for improved access and capacity building by bringing a vital service to an area where it is not readily available, as well as providing an exceptional learning experience and an exposure to the rewards and challenges of practice in a rural underserved environment for the residents and students.
