title: The UCLA preschool vision program, 2012-2013.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To introduce the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Preschool Vision Program (UPVP) and describe the utilization pattern and challenges of the first year of implementation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The UPVP aims to improve vision in 3- to 5-year-old preschoolers of Los Angeles County. On the first visit, trained personnel use a handheld autorefractometer (Retinomax 3; Righton, Japan) for initial screening and identify those who would benefit from a complete eye examination. On the second visit, the UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic staff and ophthalmologists provide follow-up examinations. Prescribed eyeglasses are fit and provided by program personnel on the school site on a separate visit. Follow-up calls are made to ensure compliance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From a population of 12,088 children in 215 preschools, 11,260 preschoolers (mean age, 4.3 years; 49.2% females) were screened successfully. In this sample, 86% were Latino, and almost all (97%) spoke either Spanish or English. About 65% of referred preschoolers underwent a complete eye examination. Prescription eye glasses were provided for 850 preschoolers (7.5%); 95 children (0.8%) were newly diagnosed with amblyopia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A large proportion of Los Angeles County preschoolers with refractive errors have unmet needs in terms of refractive correction. Further studies are recommended to understand barriers to eye care for children and to devise initiatives for Los Angeles's large, densely populated, and complex community to increase awareness and willingness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Shiva
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mehravaran
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Pamela B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Duarte
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Center, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Stuart I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Bartly J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Mondino
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hendler
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. Electronic address: coleman@jsei.ucla.edu.
authors.forename: Anne L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Coleman
mesh_terms: D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000550:Amblyopia / Q000175:diagnosis; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005139:Eyeglasses; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000458:organization & administration; D010808:Physical Examination; D012030:Refractive Errors / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy; D042262:Retinoscopy; D013285:Strabismus / Q000175:diagnosis; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy; D015351:Vision Screening / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014792:Visual Acuity