Web-Based Amblyopia Decision Support Tool.

Abstract

Amblyopia is the leading cause of monocular decreased best-corrected vision in children. Early detection and intervention are key for optimal treatment outcomes; however, limited access to pediatric eye specialists may hinder timely care and affect visual outcomes. Given the shortage of specialty-trained eye care professionals in the US, there is need to support comprehensive eye care professionals who are willing to examine and treat children with amblyopia. A panel from the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group synthesized relevant literature and incorporated consensus opinion where direct evidence was lacking to create the Amblyopia Navigator Decision-Support Instrument, a free, web-based amblyopia decision support tool for eye care professionals. The decisions related to optimal diagnostic measures, pass/refer criteria, and management recommendations were informed by 147 publications. In areas where direct evidence was lacking, guidance was supplemented with clinical trial protocols or existing professional guidelines. When data were conflicting or unavailable, recommendations were established through committee consensus. A single reviewer independently performed standardized (though not systematic) literature reviews to avoid missing pertinent recent publications. Presented are the process used, supporting evidence, and recommendations for testing methods, refractive correction, amblyopia treatment options, treatment adjustments, and monitoring schedules. Because amblyopia is common and typically responds well to treatment, decision support tools that optimize its management could increase access to pediatric eye care by facilitating earlier detection, enabling broader participation of primary eye care professionals, and ultimately improving visual outcomes. Through this work and the development of the forthcoming free, web-based application version, Amblyopia Navigator Decision-Support Instrument, the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group has created decision support tools designed to assist optometrists and ophthalmologists in the care of children aged 3 to 17 years with amblyopia.