Researchers identified key barriers and potential strategies to improve access to care in a systematic review on eye and vision health services at Federally Qualified Health Centers in the United States. They found that only a small percentage of FQHCs offered on-site vision services. Existing services focused on diabetic retinopathy and the role of telehealth initiatives. They also found that systemic and patient-related barriers hinder comprehensive vision services, and warrant policy changes and infrastructure support, including federal and state funding to integrate telemedicine into primary care workflows. Partnerships among eye care providers and FQHCs were encouraged to increase awareness and improve vision health for underserved populations.

Source: JAMA Ophthalmology