Patching the robot: Perspectives about amblyopia and the feasibility of social robots supporting patching therapy

Social robots have potential applications in eyecare, including the treatment of amblyopia. Desirable functions and features were explored with caregivers whose children were prescribed patching for amblyopia. Caregiver perspectives about the feasibility of social robots supporting amblyopia patching will inform the subsequent design of a social robot for a clinical trial with children undergoing patching therapy.

To explore a new strategy for addressing suboptimal amblyopia patching adherence by gathering caregiver perspectives on amblyopia and the feasibility of using a social robot to support their child's patching regime.

Caregivers of children who were prescribed patching for amblyopia completed an online survey and an online individual, semi-structured interview. Caregivers were asked about their amblyopia knowledge and experiences. They were also asked to share their views about using social robots to help them understand the condition and support their child with adherence to patching therapy. Anonymized interview transcripts were evaluated using thematic content analysis. Data saturation determined the sample size.

Seven caregivers displayed knowledge deficits about amblyopia and a 50% average patching adherence. Prior experience with amblyopia mitigated the attitudes toward amblyopia and its management. All caregivers believed their child would benefit from interacting with a social robot during their eye examinations. They held mixed views about using the robot to enhance their knowledge about amblyopia. The perceived desirable social robot functions included regulating emotions, educating, motivating, and entertaining the child, demonstrating the child's vision, and monitoring vision progress. Desirable features regarding attributes, appearances, and actions were identified (e.g., friendly, expressive, gentle, and wearing an eye patch).

The findings underscore a need for enhanced patching adherence and caregiver amblyopia literacy. They uniquely highlight how prior experience with amblyopia can shape caregiver attitudes towards managing amblyopia. Social robots may offer an innovative option to address these problems. These caregivers identified desirable functions (e.g., regulate, educate, motivate, entertain, and monitor) and features (e.g., wear an eye patch) of a social robot interacting with children undergoing patching therapy. These perspectives will help to inform the development of a social robot for a subsequent clinical trial with children undergoing patching for amblyopia.