The Case for Primary Eye Care Integration in Community Health Centers.

Abstract

In this Commentary, we provide an in-depth look at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report, "Making Eye Health a Population Health Imperative Vision for Tomorrow (2016)," which emphasizes the need for the integration of vision and eye care into more holistic healthcare delivery approaches, since many individuals who are visually impaired have disproportionately high rates of chronic co-morbidities. We have highlighted current barriers as well as a coordinated approach and methodology to improve team-based care in the United States to reduce eye and vision health disparities, particularly through the delivery model of community health centers; however, the model might be applied in other countries.