Date Presented 04/03/2025
Surveying 80 US OTs, this study found that although oculomotor dysfunction (OD) is addressed across populations, more knowledge transfer is needed regarding nontraumatic OD intervention. This advances OT practice through targeted education.
Primary Author and Speaker: Katherine C. King
Additional Authors and Speakers: Raegan E. Furman, Bryan M. Gee
PURPOSE: This study explores the current practices of occupational therapists (OTs) in treating oculomotor dysfunction (OD). While preliminary research addresses traumatic OD (TOD), there is limited understanding of OT practices with non-traumatic OD (NTOD). The primary research question is to discover if occupational therapists are transferring knowledge from research performed in other fields regarding OD into practice. This research addresses this gap, emphasizing the importance of OD treatment in enhancing client occupational engagement and advocating for OT’s role in OD management.
DESIGN: A descriptive study surveyed 80 OTs across the US. Participants, who were practicing, licensed OTs, completed an online survey assessing their knowledge, experience, and perceptions regarding OD treatment.
METHOD: Data collection included a structured online survey, of Likert-scale and open-ended questions. The survey measured participants’ knowledge of OD, sources of their knowledge, practice patterns, and perceptions about OD treatment within OT.
RESULTS: The survey revealed that OTs consider OD treatment within their professional scope and recognize its significant impact on client engagement. However, there is a notable gap in the transfer of knowledge, especially concerning NTOD treatment. Findings indicate the need for enhanced educational resources to better equip OTs in this area.
CONCLUSION: This study underscores the necessity for targeted education and knowledge transfer in OT practices to effectively treat OD, specifically NTOD. Enhancing OTs’ ability to address OD can improve outcomes in both pediatric and adult populations, advancing OT practice. Integrating evidence-based OD treatments into OT practice can transform OT approaches and enhance functional client outcomes across all ages. The results advocate for further research into specific OT interventions for NTOD, solidifying the role of OTs in this critical aspect of client care.
References
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