Dr. KARISHMA GOYAL

Abstract

Aim- To evaluate the effect of telephonic reminder on uptake of eye care services by children who were identified with eye problems & referred for further management to eye care institute during school eye screening program

Method-A reminder module delivered through telephone calls on day 15 & 30 was designed for parents of referred children who had not presented within 15 days of primary screening

Results- 58,850 children were screened in 110 schools. Of them, 2060 (3.5%) were referred for further management. Of all referred, 206 (10%) reported at hospital by themselves. Out of 1256 (60.9%) parents who received at least one reminder call, 376 (29.9%) children reported at hospital, 308 (24.5%) were treated elsewhere

Conclusion- Telephonic reminders are effective in improving reporting of referred children. Availability of parents contact numbers has been identified as a concern in school eye screening programs. These findings may be of potential benefit for planning of these programs

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