Developing a paediatric eye movement therapy application: Expert feedback on a gamified paper prototype for South African children

Abstract

Background: Development and learning in school-going children can be influenced by the inability to perform accurate saccades and pursuits. To be able to appreciate good, clear vision with stereopsis, it is essential that both foveae are aligned towards the desired object. It is vital that the oculomotor system is healthy for this to occur. Young children with oculomotor dysfunction may benefit from timely detection and prompt initiation of eye movement therapy.
Aim: This study aimed to analyse and discuss feedback from expert reviews of an eye movement therapy paper-prototype.
Setting: The study was conducted online via Google Forms.
Methods: A comprehensive literature review of existing therapy tools was undertaken online, after which a paper-prototype for paediatric eye movement therapy was developed and shared with African field experts. The feedback from the field experts was obtained via a Google Form questionnaire.
Results: All four field experts expressed that the design was easy to understand and agreed it would be of value to paediatric eye health therapy. It was suggested that more colourful and interactive visuals can be added to boost engagement. The inclusion of time limits and adjustable difficulty to manage screen use was emphasised. Consulting early childhood educators was advised to ensure the content is in sync with the current trends and interests of the targeted age-group.
Conclusion: The paper-prototype produced in this study simulated the application’s user interface and user experience before creation of the first digital prototype. The expert review indicated that the paper-prototype produced is clinically relevant and engaging. With minor modifications to its design and content, the app can serve as a useful supplement to in-office vision therapy in South Africa.
Contribution: This supplementary eye movement therapy tool will be the first to be created just for South African children with a unique and engaging therapy sequence.