An intensive nurse-led occlusion therapy programme

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatrics
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Amblyopia treatment often requires occlusion therapy, which presents adherence challenges for children and families.
• Traditional approaches may focus solely on the child's non-compliance, neglecting family dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel, nurse-run, one-day admission program designed to enhance treatment adherence in pediatric amblyopia.
• To address non-adherence as a family issue, fostering a supportive environment for both child and parents.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a one-day inpatient program in a pediatric ophthalmology ward.
• Integration of positive parenting techniques and practical coping strategies for families.
• Focus on empowering parents, positioning nurses as allies rather than judges.

Main Results:

• The program demonstrated effectiveness in educating children on occlusion therapy and glasses wear.
• Audits confirmed good compliance rates and significant improvements in visual acuity.
• Families reported high satisfaction and improved parent-child relationships.

Conclusions:

• A family-centered, compliance-enhancing program can successfully improve adherence to amblyopia treatment.
• Empowering parents with practical strategies is key to achieving better therapeutic outcomes.
• This approach positively impacts both visual results and family dynamics.