An intensive nurse-led occlusion therapy programme.

Some children and parents find it difficult, if not impossible, to adhere to a prescribed occlusion regime for treatment of amblyopia. A nurse-run, one-day admission programme for non-adherent families was introduced in a paediatric ophthalmology ward. Non-adherence is addressed as a family predicament, rather than solely the child's lack of co-operation. This compliance-enhancing programme teaches simple positive parenting techniques, along with practical coping strategies. The aim is to nurture and empower parents, not undermine or patronise them, with the nurse as an ally not a judge. The programme has proved its effectiveness in educating children undergoing occlusion therapy and/or glasses wearing. Regular audits of visual results demonstrate good compliance and improved visual outcomes. Families report high satisfaction with the programme and a number have reported enhanced relationships with their children.