Public Defence: Ala Paduca

Ala Paduca is defending her dissertation for the degree philosophiae doctor (PhD) at the University of South-Eastern Norway.

The doctoral work has been carried out at the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences.

You are invited to follow the trial lecture and the public defence.

• Link to full dissertation.

Summary

This doctoral research has uncovered important information about a common eye condition known as strabismus, or "crossed eyes." The thesis provides valuable insights into the management of strabismus and proposes actionable steps to improve the quality of care through personalized medicine and improved communication. These findings can inform national health policies, improve screening strategies, and assist clinicians in providing evidence-based, person-centered eye care.

What the Study Found

The findings showed that only 1.3% of children in Moldova are diagnosed with strabismus, which is lower than the prevalence in other European countries. In many adult cases, strabismus surgery was delayed by nearly 20 years, often due to a simple lack of awareness.  We found that most adults who eventually sought treatment did so to improve their appearance, but many could have benefitted from earlier intervention if they had been informed about treatment options.

Another important aspect of the research centered on how patients and doctors make decisions together. When patients felt well-informed and involved in the decision-making process, they reported greater satisfaction with their care and outcomes. This approach, known as Shared Decision Making (SDM), is still infrequently utilized in eye care but has the potential to significantly improve treatment experience.
Furthermore, surgical findings from the study indicated that preserving specific sensory structures in the eye muscles—called proprioceptors—can result in improved long-term results. “This opens the door to making surgery not just more effective, but also more personalized.”

Why This Matters

Strabismus is not merely a cosmetic concern, it can also impact a person’s vision, self-confidence, and even job prospects. Early detection and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference, particularly for children.

One part of the study also looked at what occurs during surgery. It revealed that careful handling to avoid damaging specific parts of the eye muscles can promote better healing and improved long-term outcomes.

A Call for Change

The researcher believes that the findings serve as a wake-up call: “Too many people are living with a condition that can be treated simply because they do not know help is available. We need to begin screening children’s vision early and provide more information to people about their options.”

The study recommends the following:

• Initiating regular eye examinations for children in schools and preschools.
• Educating the public that strabismus can be treated at any age.
• Encouraging doctors and patients to make health decisions together, using clear and simple information.

This research provides practical steps to help more Moldovans access the eye care they need — and it could also inspire changes in how vision problems are addressed in other countries.