Current vision screening procedures that use volunteers and paper forms often lead to errors in data collection and prevents the systematic referral of students who require vision correction services. Through Project 20/20, the Milwaukee Public Schools will use network technology to improve the efficiency of vision screening and follow-up eye care for urban elementary school students.
Project 20/20 will establish a systematic means of acquiring, managing, and maintaining vision screening data through reengineering the vision screening process. Volunteers will use a web-based data management system that provides school roster information, a best practice resource for volunteer screeners, and a coordination and scheduling tool. Once assigned the name of a school to provide the screening service, volunteer pairs will download a list of students from the secure website to a PDA. Using a vision screening device called SureSight and a wireless connection, each volunteer will screen a group of students and store the screening data on the PDAs. Screening information will be transferred to the central repository via a wireless connection. Students requiring eye care will be referred, and those without health care resources will receive a voucher that covers an eye exam and glasses.
Project 20/20 will ensure accurate and efficient vision screening, recording, and follow-up for 5,000 students annually in 30 elementary schools. In addition, volunteer screeners will demonstrate increased effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction. Project partners include Prevent Blindness Wisconsin, the Center for Urban Population Health, and Welch Allyn, the manufacturer of the SureSight vision screening tool.
