Effectiveness of Telehealth-Based Programs to Detect Glaucoma Among High-Risk Populations in Community Health Settings

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The purpose of this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of high-quality and innovative public health interventions to improve glaucoma detection and management among high-risk populations within community-based health care delivery settings. This NOFO has two components:Component A: Comparative effectiveness trials of community-based interventions in high-risk populations in diverse locations. Communities include populations living with undiagnosed eye diseases due to lack of access, resources, vision specialists, etc. Award recipients are expected to collaborate to establish a standard investigative protocol.Component B:  A coordinating center to provide data storage (if needed), harmonize data collection and data analysis, logistic and communication support to enhance the efficiency, productivity for component A.Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the United States, and the leading cause of blindness among African Americans. Of an estimated 2.7 million people with glaucoma, 50% of them are unaware of their condition. Given the low prevalence in the general population, this NOFO focuses on people at high-risk for glaucoma and does not include broad general screening programs.In the past decade, large-scale glaucoma studies funded by CDC among high-risk groups have demonstrated success in screening and follow-up care to slow disease progression through innovative delivery programs. CDC intends to further this research by funding projects with strategies that are cost-effective, comprehensive, and include allied health care professionals (e.g. community healthcare workers, ophthalmic technicians, navigators); mobilize community partners and resources; use advanced technological approaches; demonstrate potential for adoption into real-world clinical practice; and have the greatest potential to affect population health, public policy, and implementation.

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