Survey on the Opinion of Ophthalmologists and Optometrists about Amblyopia Treatment Compared to Standard Treatment in Guilan Province

Purpose: To evaluate the opinion of the ophthalmologists and optometrists in Guilan Province about different aspects of amblyopia treatment. Methods: A questionnaire was designed to evaluate the opinion of 30 ophthalmologists and 20 optometrists about different aspects of amblyopia treatment, including the age of initiation and termination of treatment, different treatment modalities, and maintenance treatment used for children aged above 10 years. The questionnaire’s validity was confirmed by the content validity rate (CVR) of 0.33–1 and the content validity index (CVI) of >0.99 and its reliability was confirmed by test-retest Kappa of >0.9. The results were analyzed, using SPSS v.21. Results: The participants’ answers revealed that the first treatment choice in refractive amblyopia was using spectacles and patching; age <1 year was considered the most appropriate age for starting treatment, continued until 7–10 years of age. Fifty–three percent treated patients >10 years old and 51% suggested near/far training during amblyopia treatment. For maintenance treatment, everyday patching the eye for 1 hour with near/distance vision tasks and 0.5% atropine eye drop was suggested by about half of the participants (48%). The eye drop used for cycloplegic refraction was 1% cyclogyl. Mild cases were treated with spectacles, the indications of which depend on the isometropia and patients’ age. Conclusion: The opinions of the ophthalmologists and optometrists about amblyopia treatment were different and it is required to increase the knowledge of these medical groups about the most appropriate treatment options, suggested by the recent guidelines.