Parental knowledge and attitudes toward amblyopia in the western region of Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Amblyopia is a leading cause of preventable childhood vision loss. Parental understanding of its causes, symptoms, complications, and management is essential for timely diagnosis and effective intervention. This study aims to assess parental knowledge and attitudes toward amblyopia in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional online survey (available in Arabic and English) was distributed to parents in Makkah, Jeddah, Ta'if, Medina, and Yanbu between August 2023 and March 2024. The questionnaire collected demographics, six domains of amblyopia knowledge, attitudes toward eye care, and prior experience with amblyopia. Knowledge scores (0-15) classified responses as poor, good, or excellent. Data were summarized descriptively. Results: Of the 412 respondents, 70.4% were mothers, with a mean age of 40.3 ± 10.8 years. Most held university degrees and were employed. Only 46.4% correctly defined amblyopia, 34.7% cited genetic causes, and 51.0% recognized unilateral poor vision as a symptom; 38.1% selected patching of the sound eye as appropriate treatment. Overall knowledge was poor in 45.4%, good in 21.6%, and excellent in 33.0%. Routine eye examinations were favored by 47.3%, and 75.2% acknowledged a critical parental role in therapy adherence. Amblyopia had been diagnosed in 22.3% of respondents' children. Conclusion: Parental knowledge of amblyopia in western Saudi Arabia is suboptimal despite generally positive attitudes toward eye care. Targeted educational initiatives involving healthcare providers, schools, and digital media are warranted to raise awareness, promote routine screening, and encourage early evidence-based management to improve visual outcomes in children.