Orthoptists' management of amblyopia - a case-based survey

The aim of this study was to investigate the amblyopia treatment trends of Australian orthoptists and to identify variations or consistencies amongst treatment patterns.

A questionnaire was distributed to all orthoptists who attended an annual national scientific conference. This questionnaire consisted of four case vignettes of amblyopic patients. Each was presented with a series of multiple-choice questions that orthoptists were required to answer.

The questionnaire was completed by 46 orthoptists. Large diversity between orthoptists in their treatment application was found. This related mostly to the intensity of occlusion treatment.

Treatment variability continues to exist between orthoptists. Further investigations evaluating the clinical decision making processes of clinicians in prescribing amblyopia treatment may help us to better understand the determinants that are considered when prescribing treatment. This would be useful in establishing best-practice guidelines.