Assessment of Optometric Management of Amblyopia in Children Attending Eye Clinics in Enugu State

Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is the most common cause of monocular visual impairment in children, yet it is reversible if detected and treated during the critical developmental period. This study assesses the quality of optometric management of amblyopia among pediatric patients at public eye clinics in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A retrospective cohort design will be employed, reviewing clinical records of 200 children aged 3 to 10 years diagnosed with amblyopia at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla and Enugu State University Teaching Hospital over a five-year period. Data extracted will include type and depth of amblyopia, prescribed optical correction, occlusion therapy adherence, visual acuity outcomes at follow-up, and duration of treatment. Analysis will involve paired t-tests and logistic regression to assess treatment predictors. The study anticipates that treatment outcomes are significantly influenced by age at initiation, compliance with occlusion, and regular follow-up. Findings will be shared with the hospital management and Enugu State Ministry of Health to advocate for early referral protocols and improved compliance monitoring systems. This research fills a gap in the clinical evidence base for amblyopia management in Nigeria's South East zone and provides actionable insights for improving pediatric eye care practice at teaching hospitals. Keywords: amblyopia, occlusion therapy, children, Enugu State, visual acuity outcomes