title: Questionnaire study to gain an insight into the manufacturing and fitting process of artificial eyes in children: an ocularist perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To gain an insight into the manufacturing and fitting of artificial eyes in children and potential improvements to the process.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online qualitative survey was distributed to 39 ocularists/prosthetists in Europe and Canada. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, specifically maximum variation sampling from the researcher's contacts and an online search.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings highlighted the current impression technique as being the most difficult yet most important part of the current process for both the ocularist and child patient. Negatively affecting obtaining a good impression, the child patients distress can be reduced by their parents by providing encouragement, reassurance, practicing the insertion and removal of the artificial eye and being matter of fact. Whilst improvements to the current process provided mixed views, the incorporation of current technology was perceived as not being able to meet the requirements to produce aesthetically pleasing artificial eyes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The current artificial eye process can be seen as an interaction with its success being dependent on the child patient's acceptance and adjustment which is dependent on the factors associated to the process. Investigation into the needs of the patient and whether technology can improve the process are the next steps in its advancement.
authors: Psychology Research Centre, Faculty of Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, P104, Poole House, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB, UK. hchinnery@bournemouth.ac.uk.
authors: Holly
authors: H
authors: Chinnery
authors: Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Psychology Research Centre, Faculty of Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK.
authors: Simon B N
authors: SBN
authors: Thompson
authors: Design Simulation Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Design and Engineering, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK.
authors: Siamak
authors: S
authors: Noroozi
authors: Research & Professional Practice and Principal Academic, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Design and Engineering, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK.
authors: Bryce
authors: B
authors: Dyer
authors: Public Health/Health Visiting, Faculty of Health and Social Science, Department of Nursing and Clinical Science, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK.
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Rees
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005060:Europe; D005137:Eye, Artificial; D006801:Humans; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000639:trends*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Artificial eyes; Child healthcare; Healthcare; Prosthetic eyes