Near focusing after amblyopia treatment

The study involves parents or guardians and children attending up to three visits to the School of Optometry and Vision Science, totalling 3–4 hours. Participants may receive a funded comprehensive eye examination with dilating drops, a free pair of prescription glasses if required, and a two‑hour data collection visit involving near vision, eye‑focusing, reading and hand–eye coordination tests, with breaks as needed. Parents or guardians of children previously treated for amblyopia will also be invited to complete a survey about treatment and follow‑up care, which can be completed online, on paper, or verbally. Participation in the survey alone is also possible.

A $40 petrol voucher will be provided per long visit to support travel costs.

To participate in this study you must

• Be a child aged 7-12 years
• Have a previous diagnosis of amblyopia and have previously received treatment (glasses, eye patching and/or atropine drops)
• Have no eye turn (strabismus)
• Have no history of eye surgery
• Have no other eye diseases apart from amblyopia
• Have no learning disabilities or neurological conditions
• Have no limitations in mobility or dexterity of the dominant hand
• Be able to attend up to three visits at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, Grafton Campus

Additional information

• Parents or guardians of children with treated amblyopia will be invited to complete a survey on their knowledge and experiences of amblyopia-related eye care
• Children with normal vision and no history of amblyopia are also needed as control participants

Ketemaw Demilew 
Study Coordinator
Email: Ketemaw.demilew@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: 027 359 4878

Tina Gao
Lead Researcher
Email: t.gao@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: 09 373 7599, Ext 82955