Social media and vision therapy: Perspectives of providers and patients on Instagram.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To formally assess the content, intent, and authorship of the most popular Instagram hashtags related to pediatric ophthalmology. METHODS: Public Instagram posts with over 20 likes, using one or more of 6 vision therapy (VT) hashtags and containing English content were identified. A categorical classification system was used to analyze each post for the target audience post owner, primary intent of post, diagnosis addressed, whether advice was provided, and whether references to studies were provided. RESULTS: A total of 1,766 Instagram posts were analyzed. Half were made by VT clinics or therapists (50%), and only 14 posts were made by physicians (0.8%). The majority were self-promotional. Statistically significant relationships between post owner and intent, post owner and diagnosis, and the provision of advice and diagnosis were found. CONCLUSIONS: Although VT Instagram posts are dominated by self-promotion and advertisements, social media provides an outlet for patients and parents to seek support and information. Ophthalmologists have yet to discuss VT on Instagram.