Few Children with Safety-Net Insurance Get Vision Checked at Checkups

A new study reveals that a significant number of children, especially those with safety-net insurance, are not receiving vision screenings during their regular check-ups. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan and Duke University, found that less than a third of children had their vision checked in the past year at their primary care clinic. Furthermore, rates of screening varied greatly depending on insurance status, with uninsured children having the lowest rates of vision screening. The study highlights the need for improved access to vision screening and preventative care for children to identify and address potential eye-related issues early on.

Study finds low rates of vision screening in children

A comprehensive study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan and Duke University has found that less than a third of children have had their vision checked in the past year. The study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, reveals that the rates of vision screening vary widely depending on the child’s insurance status, with the lowest rates observed among uninsured children and those with safety-net insurance for low-income individuals. Surprisingly, even children with private insurance have low rates of screening.

Variation in screening rates by age

The study also investigated the variation in vision screening rates among different age groups. It was found that screening rates were highest but still low among children between the ages of 3 and 5. This age group is covered by a national universal vision screening guideline, underlining the importance of early detection and treatment of conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye). However, even among children in this age group with private insurance, the screening rates remain suboptimal. Preschoolers with private insurance did have slightly higher screening rates compared to their publicly insured and uninsured counterparts.

On the other hand, elementary school-aged children had lower screening rates compared to preschoolers. The study also revealed alarmingly low screening rates among middle school and high school-aged children. These findings indicate the need for increased emphasis on vision screening across all age groups.

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Data from nationally representative surveys

The data for this study were collected from the National Survey of Children’s Health conducted between 2018 and 2020. Parents were asked if their children had undergone a vision check at their regular doctor’s office. This data collection allowed the researchers to examine disparities in vision screening rates based on insurance status and primary care visits.

Room for improvement in well-child visits

The study highlights the importance of well-child visits and annual checkups as missed opportunities for identifying and addressing eye-related issues in children. The data clearly indicate a need for improvement in detecting and treating such issues early on. Early prevention and detection can have significant and lasting consequences for a child’s education and overall quality of life.

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Disparity in primary care visits and insurance status

One significant factor contributing to the variation in vision screening rates is the disparity in primary care visits among different insurance statuses. The study found that only 46% of uninsured children had a preventive health care visit in the last year, compared to 81% of privately insured children and 73% of publicly insured children. This disparity in primary care visits directly affects the rates of vision screening, with uninsured children having the lowest rates.

The study also examined vision screening rates among children with special health care needs, who may be eligible for coverage under programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid. Unfortunately, even among this population, the rates of vision screening were remarkably low.

Study authors and funding

The authors of this study include Olivia Killeen, Joshua Ehrlich, HwaJung Choi, Niharica S. Kannan, Afua O. Asare, and Brian C. Stagg. The study was funded by the U-M National Clinician Scholar Program and Research to Prevent Blindness.

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Association between health insurance and primary care vision testing

The primary objective of this study was to examine the association between health insurance and vision testing in children. By analyzing the data collected from nationally representative surveys, the researchers were able to shed light on the disparities in vision screening rates based on insurance status and frequency of primary care visits. The study’s findings are published in JAMA Ophthalmology and can be accessed with the DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.3644.

In conclusion, this comprehensive study demonstrates the low rates of vision screening in children, with particularly concerning trends among uninsured children, those with safety-net insurance, and even children with private insurance. The variation in screening rates by age further emphasizes the need for improved vision screening practices across all age groups. The study’s findings highlight the importance of well-child visits as opportunities for early detection and prevention of eye-related issues in children. Addressing the disparities in primary care visits and insurance status is crucial for improving vision screening rates and the overall eye health of children.