Service evaluation: orthoptic-led teaching of soft contact lens handling for parents in the management of pediatric aphakia

Abstract

ABSTRACT To gauge parental satisfaction of an orthoptic-led specialist service for teaching soft contact lens (CL) handling in the management of children with pediatric aphakia. 20 families attending the contact lens clinic completed a satisfaction questionnaire to enquire about their experience of learning how to insert and remove their child’s CL. Families were questioned on their experiences with preoperative counseling, practical teaching, additional support and the patient literature that was provided by the orthoptists in the CL clinic. Qualitative data and free comments were analyzed. 18/20 (90%) said they had received good practical insertion and removal teaching. 19/20 (95%) felt they received good emotional support. Only 6/20 (30%) families agreed with the statement that they found learning insertion and removal difficult. 15/20 (75%) families did not feel rushed, and 18/20 (90%) said they could learn at their own pace. All except one family (95%) achieved daily CL handling within a few months, with ongoing support from a multi-disciplinary team. One family surveyed was much earlier in their postoperative journey, but was on track to achieve this imminently. All families (100%) felt they were appropriately counselled preoperatively regarding the need for training and daily CL handling. 95% found the provided written information useful. 8/20 (40%) reported they found insertion harder than removal, 4/20(20%) reported they found removal harder. Teaching insertion and removal skills is an important aspect of managing paediatric aphakia and presents many challenges. Most parents eventually cope well and achieve daily CL handling within a few months, with support from a multi-disciplinary team. Families surveyed were all competent and were satisfied with their experience. The parental satisfaction survey gave our team confidence that our orthoptic-led service works well, orthoptists have the knowledge and skills to provide technical training to parents alongside vital emotional support, and contact lens handling is a rewarding extended role for orthoptists in a multi-disciplinary team.