Global Ophthalmology in Georgia

Georgians are at increased risk of eye disease because of their racial and socioeconomic demographics, as well as the lack of providers in more rural areas. Unaddressed, these problems will multiply. One particularly complicating factor is the lack of service coordination in the system. Thus, when patients do manage to find and access a provider for initial screenings, they are often unsuccessful in accessing much-needed follow-up care. Issues such as a lack of transportation, a lack of insurance, age, other disabilities, and poverty frequently prevent them from taking the next step.

In 2016, GO-E decided to tackle this statewide service coordination issue by establishing Georgia Vision2020 a coalition of nine eye care non-profits in Georgia. This group is dedicated to bridging the service gap that has prevented un- and under-insured patients from accessing follow-up care.

The group’s number one goal is to connect patients who fail a vision screening with follow-up care. The most common barriers are distance to care, cost of care or lack of insurance. From a thorough evaluation of the need and currently available care, we have developed the Georgia Vision Network which aims to connect eye care NGOs, patients, and providers.

Emory's Global Ophthalmology program routinely recruits medical students, residents, fellows, physicians, and technicians from the Eye Center and the School of Medicine to volunteer at community outreach events where vision screenings and education are provided free of charge.

The Global Ophthalmology program at Emory collaborates with various federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), charity care clinics, and community organizations in Georgia to provide screenings and eye exams to uninsured and underinsured individuals. The program will continue to strengthen its commitment to making vision care accessible to all Georgians by bolstering its presence in all communities, providing an access point to those who do not have an eye care provider, and connecting all patients to available care in their area.