Budget Assumptions<\/span><\/h1>\nBudget for the proposed study is based on screening 10,000 to 12,000 students ranging in age from 7-18 years of age. They will be from diverse ethnic, cultural, and financial backgrounds representing a heterogeneous cross section of our society.\u00a0 This will require coordination with the School Districts and County, Tribal and local Health Departments.\u00a0 These partners are not staffed to complete the study and therefore we have solicited the help of Lions Club members.\u00a0 All members performing acuity tests will undergo a background check and be certified by Prevent Blindness, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the community through organizations like the Lions Clubs to assist in efforts to improve vision in our communities. Volunteers will conform to school district privacy and security policies, including uniformed clothing and other measures. This greatly relieves the stress of the school staff when many strangers are walking around the campus.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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Research Pilot<\/h1>\n
The research methodology developed with the Medical College of Wisconsin and approved by their Institutional Review Board (IRB) was piloted in 2019 with a group of 2,336 students from 11 schools in Northeast Wisconsin.\u00a0 Each student was screened utilizing 3 methods:\u00a0 a photorefractor, a critical line tumbling E chart at a 20-foot distance and the standard acuity chart at a 20-foot distance.\u00a0 Each student who failed one or more of the eye exams was referred to an optometrist as part of the study to validate the referral for an eye exam and consultative follow up. This examination was performed without the optometrist knowing the reason for the referral.\u00a0 The results from each student\u2019s three eye tests along with the optometrist\u2019s results were statistically analyzed, and the pilot project\u2019s results were very promising, prompting the need for a larger validation study to confirm statistical validity. Funding for the initial study was an in-kind contribution by the Medical College of Wisconsin, MCW Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, local Lions Club volunteers, and Prevea Health, who donated the optometric services for follow up consultations with the students.<\/p>\n
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<\/h1>\n<\/h1>\nKey Expenses<\/h1>\nProject Administration:<\/h2>\n
The Principal Investigator will oversee the technical direction and academic quality of the project. Dr. Matthew Hunsaker MD FAAFP from the Green Bay campus of the Medical College of Wisconsin was the Principal Investigator (PI) for the Pilot and would be welcomed back to complete the project pending availability.
Clinical Research Coordinator:
An experienced clinical research coordinator will oversee all coordination of data collection and maintain research standards for the project. Duration of Project is 2 years. \u00a0 This is a part-time position with the person requiring 50 to 60% of their time and will include the following:<\/p>\n