The Community Vision Program recently had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Emily Gower’s team from the UNC-Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health on a project that zeroed in on vision health in Lenoir and Cumberland counties, North Carolina. Funded by the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD), this project sheds light on the state of vision health in our communities, offering insights that could shape the future of eye care in our state.
From April 11 to July 31, 2024, we hosted an impressive 82 screening events—51 in Lenoir County and 31 in Cumberland County. Nearly 1,000 individuals participated in these screenings, with 639 participants from Lenoir and 352 from Cumberland County. Our goal? To identify those struggling with vision impairment and determine if a simple solution, like new eyewear, could significantly improve their sight.
But it wasn’t just about eye exams. We also gathered important information on demographics, self-reported vision quality, and social factors that might influence vision health. This gave us a deeper understanding of what’s really going on when it comes to vision loss in these communities.
So, what did we discover? About 8% of participants had reduced distance vision in at least one eye, with Lenoir County showing a higher prevalence of vision impairment compared to Cumberland County. Interestingly, many people who had good, measured vision still reported difficulties seeing at a distance, while some with noticeable vision issues didn’t perceive their vision as a problem.
This study underscores a critical need for better access to vision care, especially for older adults, African Americans, and those with lower income or education levels. The findings suggest that a significant number of residents could benefit from updated prescriptions, highlighting just how important regular eye exams are for maintaining good vision.
We’re eagerly awaiting the full report, which will provide even more detailed conclusions. Stay tuned—we can’t wait to share the final results with you!
