British and Irish Orthoptic Journal

👁 New Research on Parental Awareness of Preschool Visual Screening in Brunei-Muara District Since its inception in 2004, the preschool orthoptics visual screening program in Brunei Darussalam has aimed to detect amblyopia early. Amblyopia is a treatable visual disorder in children that can lead to permanent adverse consequences if left untreated. Ensuring timely visual screening is crucial for a child's visual health and educational success, with parents playing a fundamental role. This cross-sectional study involved 401 parents from a private kindergarten schools and maternal and child health clinics in the Brunei-Muara district. Key Findings ✅ 52.8% of parents defaulted on their children's screening. ✅A significant association exists between parental awareness and screening defaults (p < 0.05). ✅Only 39.9% of parents were aware of the screening service availability. ✅ 50.1% had not taken their children for an eye check. ✅Parental employment status was a significant factor, with unemployed fathers being 4.43 times more likely to default (p = 0.013). ✅With each additional child, parents were 1.25 times less likely to seek eye screening (p < 0.05). The primary reason for nonattendance was a lack of awareness, coupled with the belief that their children were seeing well. To mitigate defaults in child visual screening, a community-focused approach is essential. The findings highlight the need for increased awareness and community engagement to ensure every child receives the necessary eye screenings for their visual and educational well-being. Authors: Sharimawati Sharbini, Nur Aimi Diyana Awang Damit, Ted Maddess & Siti Nurliyana Abdullah #orthoptics #ChildHealth #VisualScreening #Amblyopia

👀 The Impact on Vergence Parameters After Smartphone Gaming 🎮 A new study published in the British and Irish Orthoptic Journal by Vishal Biswas and Roshni Majumder explored the effects of smartphone gaming on the vergence system in young adults (mean age was 21.98 ± 2.26 years). Key findings include significant post-task changes in: 1️⃣ Near Point of Convergence (p < 0.001) 2️⃣ Negative Fusional Vergence at near distance (p < 0.001) 3️⃣ Positive Fusional Vergence at near distance (p < 0.001) 4️⃣ Vergence Facility (p < 0.001) The authors conclude that smartphone gaming for 30 minutes affects the vergence system and may lead to binocular vision anomalies in young individuals. #vergence #binocularvision #smartphone #gaming

Schizophrenia and Orthoptic conditions: A Look at the Connection A study on the topic was just published at the British and Irish Orthoptic Journal. Anna McBride and Gemma Arblaster conducted a literature review to understand the types and prevalence of orthoptic conditions in people with schizophrenia. The authors reported: ✅ Higher rates of strabismus in schizophrenia compared to healthy individuals. ✅Reduced visual acuity and stereopsis. ✅Abnormal eye movements. ✅A link between poorer vision and negative symptoms and lower quality of life. Orthoptists and eye care professionals should be aware of these potential issues in people with schizophrenia. More research is needed to explore how much those orthoptic conditions might influence schizophrenia symptoms and whether medications used to treat schizophrenia have any impact. Further research may be helpful in improving the quality of life of people with schizophrenia. What are thoughts on the results of this study? Please, share your experience, in dealing with patients with schizophrenia, below in the comments section 👇 . #schizophrenia #strabismus #smoothpursuit #prosaccade #stereoacuity

Strabismus Surgery: Beyond Just Seeing Straight? Strabismus surgery is commonly performed to improve or eliminate diplopia symptoms, or to restore or improve binocular single vision, but what about when the goal is something else entirely? This study published at the British and Irish Orthoptic Journal explores the outcomes of strabismus surgery due to  psychosocial reasons. The review results suggest that strabismus surgery can be beneficial for adults experiencing emotional distress due to misaligned eyes. However, there's a need for more focused studies to: ✅ Define success: What exactly constitutes a positive outcome for these patients? ✅ Measure progress: How can we best track improvements in emotional well-being? 💡 The Future: This study highlights the importance of considering the emotional impact of strabismus. Future research can provide stronger evidence to support strabismus surgery as a tool to improve quality of life. What are thoughts on the results of this study? Please, share your experience, in dealing with patients submitted to strabismus surgery due psychosocial reasons, below in the comments section 👇 . Authors: Gemma Arblaster, David Buckley, Sarah Barnes & Helen Davis OBE Davis #strabismus #orthoptics #qualityoflife #strabismussurgery #psychosocialreasons

Can We Talk about Concordance? In a letter to the Editor just published at the British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, Charlotte Codina advises Orthoptists to embrace a language that reflects the patient-centred care, individual choice, and concordance. #Concordance #Patientcentredapproaches #Therapeuticalliance #Prescription #Adherence #Compliance

Children with learning difficulties may not be able to perform standard clinical vision tests. However, there is a lack of standardisation on the procedure of vision assessment in this group of children. A study on the topic was just published at the British and Irish Orthoptic Journal. The aim of this literature review was to identify and evaluate methods of vision assessment when standard clinical vision tests are not possible in children with severe learning difficulties. ✅ Three methods of vision assessment were identified: Visually Evoked Potentials (VEP), questionnaires, and the Bradford visual function box (BVFB). ✅ The VEP method was validated and reliable, although it had a similar success rate to the standardised FCPL tests in children with learning difficulties. ✅ The BVFB was a standardised method for measurement of vision threshold in children that cannot successfully complete FCPL tests, however it has not been validated. ✅ Questionnaires are an efficient way to gather descriptive information on the child’s functional vision, however no guidance on the interpretation of the information is available. ✅ The BVFB and questionnaires require further development and validation. ✅ All three methods (VEP, questionnaires, and BVFB) can be useful as part of the assessment of vision in a child with severe learning difficulties where standard clinical tests are not possible, when used in a standardised manner. What are thoughts on the results of this study? Please, share your experience in assessing vision in children with learning difficulties with us. Authors: Hareem Esmail, Gemma Arblaster & Laura Haslam #learningdifficulties #visualacuity #visionassessment

Are Horizontal Fusional Vergences Comparable When Measured Using a Prism Bar and Synoptophore? ➡ A statistically and clinically significant difference was found when measuring convergence break points using the prism bar and synoptophore but no significant difference when measuring divergence break points. ➡ Both tests displayed wide LoA when measuring convergence and divergence break points, indicating they should not be used interchangeably in clinic to measure horizontal fusional vergences. Authors: Shania Haque, Sonia Toor & David Buckley #convergence #divergence #fusionalvergences

A new study on "UK Optometrists’ Professional Learning Needs Toward Engaging with Myopia Control Interventions" was published at the British and Irish Orthoptic Journal. The study explored learning preferences, training needs, and potential barriers faced by optometrists in myopia management. Key Findings: ✅ Learning Styles: 79% of respondents identified conferences offering Continuing Professional Development material as their primary source of information on myopia control. Interestingly, 21% preferred the flexibility of online learning. ✅ Training Needs: Optometrists expressed a keen interest in training across various aspects of myopia management, including clinical assessments, evaluating suitable interventions, developing patient intervention plans, and carrying out myopia control interventions. Notably, 94% were interested in the use of pharmacological interventions. ✅ Professional Development: A staggering 98% of respondents were most interested in finding, identifying, and applying evidence-based practice. 🚀 Opportunities for Growth: The study highlights the rising importance of online learning, providing a flexible and accessible platform for optometrists to enhance their expertise. ❌ Addressing Barriers: One notable barrier reported by 30% of respondents was the limited time available for training. Recognizing this challenge, initiatives should be taken to provide optometrists with convenient and time-efficient learning opportunities, ensuring that they can stay updated on the latest advancements in myopia management. 🌍 Looking Ahead: As the field of myopia control continues to evolve, creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment for eye care professionals is crucial. By embracing various learning modalities and addressing time constraints, we can empower eye care professionals to play a pivotal role in advancing myopia control interventions. Authors: Wan Elhami Wan Omar, Fiona Cruickshank & Hema Radhakrishnan #myopia #learning #opportunities Please share this post and comment on further strategies to increase and improve learning opportunities in myopia management.

🔍 Exploring the Impact of Head-Mounted AR Low Vision Aid on Children and Young People with Visual Impairment 🔬 New findings from the latest study published at #BIOJ conducted by Emily Cottingham, Finnguala Burgum, Simon Gosling, Laura Woods and Anamika Tandon! The research explore the effectiveness of SightPlus, a head-mounted augmented reality low vision aid, in improving vision and quality of life in children and young people with visual impairment. 👧👦 Study Highlights: ➡ There were significant improvements in distance and near vision, reading acuity, and critical print size when using #SightPlus. ➡ Despite a decrease in contrast sensitivity and reading speed, nine out of 14 participants preferred to continue using SightPlus. ➡ Younger participants, especially those aged 10 or under, showed a higher preference for SightPlus. 🌟 Key Takeaways: Electronic head-mounted low vision aids open new avenues for children and young people, facilitating access to schoolwork and leisure activities. The study reflects individual preferences, with younger participants showing a strong inclination towards using SightPlus. 💬 Discussion Point: What are your thoughts on the evolving landscape of augmented reality in improving the lives of children and young people with visual impairments? Share your insights and let's foster a conversation around advancing accessibility and inclusivity! 🌐💙 #VisualImpairment #LowVisionAid #AugmentedReality #Accessibility #Lowvision

🔍 Contrast Sensitivity Tests in UK Orthoptic Practice! 🔍 👁️🗨️ A recent study published at #BIOJ investigated the use of Contrast Sensitivity (CS) tests within the realm of orthoptic practice in the UK. Authored by Lowri Jones, Anna O'Connor, and Ashli Warburton, the findings are crucial for future developments of CS tests. 👩⚕️ Preferred Testing Methods: The survey revealed that 50% of respondents prefer the Pelli Robson test for both adult and children's testing. 👶 Need for Innovation in Pediatric CS Testing: An intriguing revelation emerged as 56% of respondents expressed a need for a new CS test specifically tailored for young children. 🔍 Clinical Confidence: Approximately 57.1% of participants expressed confidence in their preferred CS test to provide valuable clinical information. 💡 Key Takeaways: 👉 The study uncovered the diverse approaches to CS testing within orthoptic practices, emphasizing the need for standardization. 👉 The lack of available CS tests for young children is a critical issue, bringing attention to the potential benefits of introducing innovative solutions, such as the proposed Double Happy CS test. 🚀 Future Prospects: The study findings pave the way for future discussions and innovations in the field of CS testing. Addressing the identified gaps and standardizing practices can significantly enhance the quality of care provided by orthoptists. 👩⚕️👨⚕️ Join the Conversation: We invite all to engage in a dialogue about these findings. Share your thoughts on the current state of CS testing, propose solutions for the pediatric testing gap, and envision the future of contrast sensitivity assessments. Let's work together to advance the field and ensure optimal vision care for all! 👁️ #Orthoptics #ContrastSensitivity #VisionCare #HealthcareInnovation