PEDIG’s New Online Amblyopia Resource Increases Access to Support

Over the past several decades, high-quality evidence from the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) and other research groups has established effective treatment regimens for common types of amblyopia. Recently, a panel from the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group synthesized relevant literature and incorporated consensus opinion where direct evidence was lacking to create the Amblyopia Navigator Decision-Support Instrument (ANDI), a free, web-based amblyopia decision support tool for eye doctors. It went live recently (https://www.mongooseprojects.com/andi/), and its development was covered in an article in JAMA Ophthalmology. The web-based app called ANDI can be accessed and used by optometrists, ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals beyond this target audience in eye care. Its recommendations pull from 147 peer-reviewed publications, developers say. Photo: PEDIG. Click image to enlarge. “Having ANDI available to young clinicians will allow them to test their own knowledge and build confidence in their clinical-decision making, assisting them in being the best doctors they can be!” says Paula McDowell, OD, professor at Michigan College of Optometry and PEDIG member. “Additionally, it may provide some level of patient confidence to know that the recommendations from their eyecare providers are supported not only by a long list of randomized controlled trials, but by a consensus of experts in pediatric eye care.”The tool is very user-friendly, does not require a separate account or log-in, and can be installed as an app for easy access in the exam room. ANDI provides guidance on testing methods, refractive error correction, further treatment options and adjustments and monitoring schedules to assist optometrists and ophthalmologists in the care of children ages three to 17 with amblyopia.“Part of what I love about the tool is the collaborative effort between optometry, ophthalmology and the dedicated statisticians through PEDIG who are all working towards the same goal of better visual outcomes for our youngest patients,” Dr. McDowell mentions.The decisions related to optimal diagnostic measures, pass/refer criteria and management recommendations were informed by 147 publications, the JAMA Ophthalmology paper stated. In areas where direct evidence was lacking, guidance was supplemented with clinical trial protocols or existing professional guidelines.When a doctor enters their patient's visual data, the provided recommendations have the specific citations and links to the published articles, in the event that the provider wants to read more about a specific study. It also provides information about what specific visual acuity should be used, what glasses should be prescribed, additional testing to be considered, and specific follow-up schedule. It is comprehensive in the considerations for patients with suspected, confirmed and residual amblyopia. “The tool has obvious implications for eyecare providers in a primary care setting, but as a pediatric optometrist, this tool will help me be able to ensure that my recommendations are evidence-based for those cases that might not be as clear,” Dr. McDowell emphasizes. “I am hopeful that as more studies are published about amblyopia, this tool will help providers stay up-to-date with the latest literature. Additionally, I am planning on using this tool as part of my clinical education with students and residents.”Click here for the source. Summers AI, Hatch SW, Hatt SR, et al; for the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG). JAMA Ophthalmology. May 7, 2026. [Epub ahead of print].  This article was developed by the editorial staff in conjunction with experts in the field. In the process, AI may have been among the editorial tools used to meet the goals of human editors, who approved all content.