The spectrum of child and parent response to eye disease.

Patient and parent response to the presence or supposed presence of eye disease is a major factor in handling pediatric ophthalmology patients. The response may vary from passive acceptance of a blinding disease to hysteria, neurosis, or even psychosis. A literature review has shown that there is wide variation of understanding by the practitioner of the importance of this phase of ophthalmic practice. The author has drawn on three decades of ophthalmic practice. When blindness, for example, is threatened, our "normal" responses change, and what we judge as normal should also. Ways of evaluating and treating patient or parent responses are suggested, along with guidelines for using consultants and others. This may play a role in malpractice suits.