Implementing AI-based Glaucoma Screening Within Federally Qualified Health Centers
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if implementation of an eye screening program at Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) clinics provides results that participants may have glaucoma, and/or other eye conditions (diabetic retinopathy, cataract, visual acuity impairment). The glaucoma screening will incorporate use of an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted screening tool. This project is called AI-RONA. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How does this eye screening program compare to the rate of glaucoma and other eye conditions detected at other FQHC clinics where the screening program has not been implemented? * Do particpants who screen positive for these conditions adhere to the physician's recommendation for a follow-up examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist? * Are referral rates for a follow-up comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist similar to those implemented by an ophthalmologist using telemedicine (that is, using the results of the screening to make a diagnosis remotely)? * What is the cost-effectiveness of the AI-assisted screening program in diagnosing glaucoma as compared to a physician-guided program? * Are participants completing the screening satisfied with it? * Are physicians at the FQHC clinics administering the screening satisfied with it? Participants will: * Undergo an ocular screening whose goal is to detect glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and/or impairment in visual acuity. If the screening indicates that participants may have these conditions, participants will be referred for a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. * Following the screening, participants and physicians will complete a survey on their satisfaction with the program.
Description
Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) clinics are excellent candidate clinics for eye disease screening programs for adults, including glaucoma and also other glaucoma associated diseases (GAD), diabetic retinopathy, cataract and refractive error. These clinics are safety-net primary health care clinics in the United States designed to serve medically underserved areas and populations. The physician will provide services regardless of the patient's ability to pay, using a sliding-scale fee based on the ability to pay. Over half the patient population at FQHCs nationally is Black or Hispanic…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * African American or Hispanic persons ≥ 40 years old * Non-Hispanic white persons ≥ 50 years old * Anyone ≥ 18 years old with diabetes type 1 or type 2 * Anyone ≥ 18 years old who already has a glaucoma associated disease * Anyone ≥ 18 years old with a family history of glaucoma Exclusion Criteria: * Declines to sign written informed consent * Cannot communicate in English
Interventions
- OtherGlaucoma screening using an AI-algorithm and screening for diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and visual acuity impairment.
Participants who have the glaucoma screening will undergo an Artificial Intelligence Remote Optic Nerve Assessment (AI-RONA). The AI information may or may not be used by the FQHC provider to refer their patient for follow-up eye exam. It is information that the provider may find useful in making a referral.
Location
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, Alabama