Nearly 32.5 million patients – or 1 in 10 people nationwide – rely on community health centers (CHCs) for primary and preventive health care services. CHCs serve as a “medical home” by providing comprehensive primary care for adults and children, preventive screenings and immunizations, and enabling services that improve access and address health-related needs.
Vision is an integral part of overall health, and vision services are a key component to primary care. A comprehensive eye exam can reveal early signs of systemic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even some cancers, highlighting the link between eye health and general well-being. Despite this, only 1 in 4 (26%) CHCs nationwide offer vision services through an optometrist or ophthalmologist, and a mere 3% of patients access these services.
