Community-Based Research

SIGHT Studies at Columbia University: Manhattan Vision Screening Follow-up Study in Vulnerable Populations

The Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-up Study in Vulnerable Populations, is a community-based study to identify and implement innovative strategies to engage populations who need access to eye care. The 5-year study is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and aims to improve engagement, detection, and management of glaucoma, vision impairment, cataracts, and other eye diseases for New York City residents living in affordable housing developments in upper Manhattan.

By partnering with New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA), Columbia Ophthalmology is offering on-site vision screening to residents age 40 and older living at 10 NYCHA developments (Polo Grounds, Rangel Houses, Drew-Hamilton, Lincoln Houses, St-Nicholas, Bethune Gardens, Marshall Plaza, Audubon, PS 139, and 99 Ft. Washington).

Our experienced team will check vision, eye pressure, and take photographs of the back of the eye so our ophthalmologists can look remotely at the retina and optic nerve. Anyone who does not pass the vision screening will be schedule for an on-site eye exam by our study optometrist. Depending on which group assignment, residents will be given an eyeglasses prescription or free eyeglasses if they need them. Anyone with abnormal findings during the vision screening or eye exam will be referred for follow-up at Columbia Ophthalmology or Harlem Hospital Ophthalmology.

Study Investigators and Research Staff

Investigators: Lisa A. Hark, PhD, RD; Daniel Diamond, OD; Jason D. Horowitz, MD; Lisa Park, MD; James D. Auran, MD; Noga Harizman, MD; George A. Cioffi, MD; Jeffrey M. Liebmann, MD; Prakash Gorroochurn, PhD; Laura T. Pizzi, PharmD, MPH; Saloni Sapru, PhD; Simani Price, PhD; Olajide A. Williams, MD.

Research Coordinators/Staff: Stefania C. Maruri, BS; Desiree Torres, BS; Jailine Carrion, BS; and Remy Manzi Muhire, MBBS

Community Partners

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)	Westat, Inc.
New York City Department for the Aging	Lighthouse Guild
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene	VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
New York Academy of Medicine	Volk Optical
Warby Parker

In the News

Study Enrollment Call Center: 325-241-9369

If you are age 40 and older and live in the following NYCHA Developments: Polo Grounds, Rangel Houses, Drew-Hamilton, Lincoln Houses, St-Nicholas, Bethune Gardens, Marshall Plaza, Audubon, PS 139, or 99 Ft. Washington, you are eligible. Call our call center or send an email with your name and phone number to sm4863@cumc.columbia.edu.

Principal Investigator

Lisa Hark, PhD, RD
Professor of Ophthalmic Sciences (Ophthalmology)
Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
Columbia University Irving Medical Center Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute
635 West 165th Street, Room 504
New York, NY 10032
lah112@cumc.columbia.edu
212-342-4586