Assessment of Parental Barriers Affecting Follow-Up in Amblyopia Treatment

Abstract

Background: Amblyopia is one of the leading causes of preventable visual impairment in children. Successful treatment requires regular follow-up visits; however, various parental barriers may affect compliance and influence treatment outcomes. Objective: To assess the parental barriers affecting follow-up in amblyopia treatment. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of four months at hospitals affiliated with The University of Lahore. A total of 125 parents of children undergoing amblyopia treatment were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a self-generated questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, perceived barriers, and strategies influencing follow-up compliance. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26, and results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Among the 125 participants, 58.4% were male and 41.6% were female. Most respondents (80.0%) were aged 23–43 years, while 56.0% were mothers. Optical correction with glasses was the most common treatment modality (42.4%). The major barriers affecting follow-up compliance were long distance to the clinic (28.0%), child school schedule (27.2%), long waiting time (18.4%), lack of transportation facilities (15.2%), and inadequate counselling (11.2%). Regarding strategies to improve follow-up compliance, proper consultation time was identified by 58.4% of participants, followed by proper counselling (32.0%) and written instructions (9.6%). No significant. associations were observed with gender, parental relationship, or treatment modality (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The study concluded that long distance to the clinic and the child’s school schedule were the major barriers affecting follow-up compliance among children undergoing amblyopia treatment. Proper consultation time and counselling were perceived as important strategies for improving follow-up adherence. Addressing these barriers may help improve treatment compliance and visual outcomes in children with amblyopia.