356 - The Medical Home Model of care and Self-Reported Vision Testing in US Children: A Cross-Sectional study with Data from the 2018-2020 National Survey of Children’s Health

Poster Number: 356
Publication Number: 356.448

AFUA O. ASARE, University of Utah School of Medicine, SALT LAKE CITY, UT, United States; Justin Smith, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Brian C. Stagg, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States

Background: Routine vision testing is recommended throughout childhood by the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, poor uptake of vision tests is reported among children. 

Objective: This study explored the association between self-reported receipt of care in a medical home and receiving a vision test during the past 12 months.

Design/Methods: De-identified, nationally representative data on children (<18 years) (n=102,740) were obtained from the 2018-2020 National Survey of Children’s Health. The main exposure was receiving care in a medical home during the past 12 months. The outcome was having any vision test during the past 12 months. Logistic regression models were fit to estimate odds (adjusted odds ratio; aOR) with 95% confidence intervals, controlling for key clinical and demographic variables.

Results: Forty-eight percent (48.0%, n=49,336) of the surveyed cohort were females, 7.2% (n=7,348) Black/African American and 12.6% (n=12,946) of Hispanic/Latino origin. 65.6% (n=67,359) of surveyed children received a vision test during the past 12 months of which, 55.2% received care in a medical home. Children that received care in a medical home were 23% more likely to have a vision test during the past 12 months (aOR 1.23;95%CI 1.18, 1.27) compared to children that did not receive care in a medical home.

Conclusion(s): The medical home model of care has the potential to facilitate access to vision care in US children. Efforts to expand access to the medical model of care should continue to prevent needless vision impairment and long-term implications.