Sunday, November 8, 2026

2:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Ballroom 1 and 2

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Overview

Catherine Lewis

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Details

Purpose: Occlusion therapy is an effective treatment for amblyopia; however, its success is highly dependent on adherence. Research has consistently shown that psychosocial factors including embarrassment, stigma, anxiety, reduced confidence, and family conflict can negatively influence a child's willingness to wear an eye patch. While clinical education commonly focuses on the rationale and practical aspects of treatment, there is often less emphasis on supporting children emotionally throughout their patching journey. In response to this, a child-centred educational video was developed to address both the practical and psychosocial challenges of occlusion therapy. Methods: An educational video was created from the child's perspective using age-appropriate language and imagery. The resource explains why patching is needed, demonstrates how and when to wear the patch and reassures children that they are not alone in their experience. The video was designed as an adjunct to routine orthoptic consultations, enabling clinicians to reinforce key treatment messages while supporting children and families both in clinic and at home. Results: By translating evidence regarding the psychosocial barriers to occlusion therapy into a practical clinical resource, the video has the potential to enhance patient and family understanding of amblyopia treatment while addressing psychosocial barriers that may contribute to poor adherence. By presenting information from the child's perspective, the video seeks to normalise the patching experience, reduce anxiety, foster engagement, and may facilitate more meaningful conversations between orthoptists, children, and caregivers, supporting a more positive treatment experience. Conclusion: Successful amblyopia treatment requires more than explaining how to wear an eye patch; it also requires addressing the emotional and social factors that influence adherence. This child-centred video represents an evidence-informed resource that integrates psychosocial support into routine clinical education. It offers orthoptists a practical tool to complement counselling and has the potential to improve both the treatment experience and engagement with occlusion therapy.

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Speaker