San Francisco General Hospital - Mobile Eye Service

What is it?

A unique collaboration between The University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, and the San Francisco Community Health Network (CHN), the Mobile Eye Service (Eye Van) first hit the road on Sept. 8, 2004. Staffed by a residency-trained optometrist and an ophthalmic technician, this 28-foot eye exam room on wheels provides comprehensive eye exams that include screenings for glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. In addition, upon request, the Eye Van provides eye exams and disease screening at health fairs across the city and the Bay Area. The Eye Van and equipment were funded by Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus.

Who is it for?

Patients living in the city and county of San Francisco, including patients at San Francisco General Hospital and those referred from San Francisco CHN (health centers) and other community providers.

Why do they do it?

Glaucoma and diabetic eye disease are the leading causes of blindness in the United States, but loss of sight from these diseases can often be prevented with early detection and treatment. Although there appears to be ample ophthalmic care in San Francisco, underserved populations are disproportionately affected by eye disease due to financial, cultural, and transportation issues.

The Mobile Eye Service was established to provide comprehensive ophthalmic screening services as extensions of existing CHN health services. With a focus on routine eye exams and regular follow-up exams for patients with diabetes and glaucoma, the Eye Van increases patient access to eye care, and improves compliance and follow-up care by bringing services to the patients. This service also helps maintain continuity of care by providing services that are coordinated with patients’ primary providers.

Impact

Each year, providers on board the Eye Van see more than 1,000 patients at 8 different health centers throughout San Francisco. Without this service, these patients would not be able to get the ophthalmic care they need.

Contact: Bennie H. Jeng, MD
Chief, Department of Ophthalmology
Telephone: 415-206-8304
E-mail: jengb@vision.ucsf.edu