Automated Retinopathy Screening Grant
For Federally Qualified & Community Health Centers
Funding to encourage pilot of non-mydriatic automated retinopathy screening in primary care and community settings.
Apply NowProactive FQHC is offering a vendor-agnostic grant to support community health centers in piloting non-mydriatic, automated retinopathy screening within primary care and community-based settings.
This opportunity is intended for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), FQHC Look-Alikes, and Urban or Tribal Indian Health Centers that want to test whether automated retinopathy screening can work within their existing workflows, without requiring a long-term financial commitment.
Automated, non-mydriatic retinal screening in primary care settings, while a technology that has existed for some time, has seen meaningful advances in accuracy, usability, and workflow integration over the past few years, making it substantially more practical and impactful for health centers today. When implemented at the point of care, these systems can increase screening completion by reducing referral-related drop-offs, support reimbursement and generate revenue through existing CPT codes, expand preventive screening across common chronic and ocular conditions, and strengthen performance on quality and value-based measures such as HEDIS, MIPS, Stars, and risk adjustment.
Learn more about rapid, automated retinal screeningWhat the Grant Supports
Grant funds are meant to offset early costs of getting started. Health centers are expected to cover any costs not supported by the grant, including per-patient screening fees if applicable.
This is a vendor-agnostic program. Health centers may work with the camera vendor of their choice.
Grant amount
$5,000 per health center
Number of awards
Up to 5 (one per health center)
Trial period
The trial period begins 45 days after camera is installed and staff trained. The trial period is 6 months
Use of funds
Camera trial or rental costs and related startup expenses
Who Should Consider Applying
This grant may be a good fit if your health center:
- Serves patients with diabetes and/or hypertension
- Does not currently offer routine, on-site retinopathy screening
- Is interested in testing automated rapid non-mydriatic screening in primary care
- Does not have an on-site ophthalmologist or optometrist
- Wants to assess workflow, staffing, and data considerations before making a larger investment
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
- FQHC Look-Alikes
- Urban or Tribal Indian Health Centers
Applicants must:
- Provide services regardless of a patient's ability to pay
- Operate a board-approved Sliding Fee Discount Program
- Comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements
Period of Performance
Trial duration: 6 months
Use of camera by individual clinics may continue beyond the trial period
Expectations for Awardees
Launch a trial of non-mydriatic retinopathy screening within 45 days of award notification and camera installation
Offer screening regardless of ability to pay, consistent with HRSA requirements
Integrate screening into existing clinical workflows
Submit limited, de-identified data related to screening volume and implementation experience
Submit Your Application
Application Steps
Download the NOFO and required attachments
Complete all required forms and attachments
Submit completed materials by email to [email protected]
Application Materials
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
The NOFO includes full eligibility requirements, application instructions, and submission details.
Example Application Attachments
Example attachments provided for reference.
Key Dates
Award notifications may begin on a rolling basis prior to the application deadline.
Questions?
For questions about eligibility, application requirements, or program details:
Proactive FQHC
About Proactive FQHC
Proactive FQHC is a California-based nonprofit organization that supports Federally Qualified Health Centers and similar providers nationwide through incentive-based programs focused on proactive screening and early detection of health issues in underserved communities.
