title: Validity of recall absent schoolchildren to free eye health projects.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the results of recall absent schoolchildren to eye health projects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study. Visual screening was performed in schoolchildren attending 1(st) to 4(th) grades at public schools, from 7 to 10 years-old, to select and forward to complete ophthalmic evaluation. The projects were performed during weekends, at a public school, in the same municipality. Free transportation, food and eyeglasses were offered. A second opportunity of examination was offered to the students who were absent from the first call, with the same facilities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  51,509 schoolchildren had their vision tested, 14,651 (28.4%) were referred for ophthalmic examination. Of these, 8,683 (59.3%) attended the first call, 2,228 (37.3%) attended the recall and 25.5% of parents did not take their children to ophthalmic examination. The need for eyeglasses for children who attended the examination was 23.8% and 32.0% in the first opportunity and recall, respectively. The recall increased the coverage in 15.2% (59.3% to 74.5%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An expressive number of parents (25.5%) did not bring their children to be examined, even at a second opportunity of exam. The facilities offered: access, free examination, transportation and glasses. Children who were absent in the first opportunity and appeared at recall had a greater need for eyeglasses. Recall increased the coverage in 15.2% (59.3% to 74.5%) and it is not recommended when financial resources are limited.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil. reginanoma@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Noma
authors.forename: Regina de Souza
authors.initials: Rde S
authors.lastname: Carvalho
authors.forename: Newton
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kara-José
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009313:National Health Programs; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015351:Vision Screening / Q000458:organization & administration*