Self-management intervention for diplopia due to ocular cranial nerve palsy

Binocular diplopia due to vascular cranial nerve palsy affects approximately 21 per 100,000 person-years, and has a significant impact on people’s quality of life. Despite this, the management of the condition remains passive, based on the neutralisation of symptoms, rather than active treatment that improves the condition and promotes recovery in the early stages of the condition. Patients anecdotally report a desire for active treatment to make their condition improve faster than occurs naturally. This study addresses this need.
This study aims to work with patients and clinicians to develop an active intervention using eye movement exercises to improve muscle function in cranial nerve palsies.

The study has three phases. Phases one and two will underpin development of the eye movement intervention program. Phase one comprises a systematic literature review of all forms of eye movement exercises currently in clinical practice. Phase two will use qualitative methodology, using focus groups to explore the opinions of patients and clinicians in terms of current understanding, barriers and facilitators to the provision of eye movement exercises as an active form of therapy. Semi-structured interviews will also be offered to facilitate participation. Phase three will involve a cohort study to evaluate the intervention along with usual care.

It is anticipated that this study would ultimately lead to the development of a low-cost, effective self-management intervention that would be easily deliverable as part of normal clinical care pathways, requiring little financial investment in the long term. It is expected that this intervention would enable patients to recover more quickly, therefore requiring shorter management time with less appointments and less long-term follow-up or interventions than are currently required.

The results of the study will be disseminated through professional publications and at a variety of orthoptic and neuro-ophthalmic conferences.

It is expected the successful applicant (s) must commence on or before 1st February 2021.

For any enquiries please contact Professor Fiona Rowe on [Email Address Removed]

If you wish to apply, please send a covering letter, full CV together with names and contact details of two academic referees, stating the research proposal/s of interest to you and why you think you are suitable. Please send to Professor Fiona Rowe on [Email Address Removed] and Dr Howard on [Email Address Removed]