J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2026;37(3):993-1011. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2026.a998548.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To detect rates of cataracts among underserved participants following community-based eye health screenings in Upper Manhattan.
METHODS: A cluster-randomized controlled trial enrolled 708 participants aged 40 years or older for eye health screenings. Participants with visual acuity (VA) 20/40 or worse, intraocular pressure 23-29 mmHg, or unreadable fundus images in either eye were referred for examination by a study optometrist and subsequent referral for ophthalmologic exam, if warranted.
RESULTS: Among 708 participants, 31.4% were diagnosed with cataracts (n=223). Logistic regression showed higher odds of visually significant cataracts with older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.121, 95% CI = 1.065-1.181), VA worse than 20/40 (aOR = 16.393, 95% CI = 3.268-83.333), or an unreadable fundus image (aOR = 333.333, 95% CI = 37.037-∞) (p < .001).
CONCLUSION: Cataract detection in underserved individuals was associated with older age, poor visual acuity, and unreadable fundus images but cataract surgery rates were low.
PMID:42605653 | DOI:10.1353/hpu.2026.a998548
