The early adopters

At a time when some optometrists were under-correcting the given prescription or telling young patients only to wear spectacles when they need them, Hallam emphasised the need for children to wear their spectacles as much as possible.

“It was immediately obvious parents were receptive to those messages – especially the time outside bit, as that means less time nagging kids to stop gaming or being on their phone,” he said.

Hallam, who owns Eyeye Opticians in Sheffield, shared that as someone who has an interest in active travel, he will often encourage young patients to consider cycling or walking part of their school journey.

“It’s as an easy way of getting valuable minutes outside,” he said.

The practice introduced MiSight^® 1 day contact lenses in 2018 and myopia control spectacle lenses when they first became available in the UK.

Hallam emphasised that myopia management is an opportunity for optometrists to be proactive and make the most of their skillset in order to help patients.

“It really offered an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people's future lives,” he said.

“Myopia management has the potential to save sight and reduce pathology with all the associated costs to individuals and society. It is an opportunity to think globally and act locally,” he highlighted.

Hallam shared that the increasing availability of spectacle lenses and contact lenses for myopia management has supported his practice offering, while research advancements and training sessions have also enhanced his understanding of the topic.

Too often we project our concerns about cost on to people, rather than helping them make an informed decision

He added that a recent continuing professional development session reinforced the importance of starting myopia management early.

“The fastest change in prescription happens younger than we had perhaps realised before. This is a further incentive to tee up parents to get on to myopia control as soon as possible and not wait a bit ‘to see how it goes’,” Hallam observed.

Reflecting on advancements he would like to see in the future, Hallam shared that he would like to see toric contact lenses become available for myopia management.

“It will really expand how many people we can help – both younger patients who start with some astigmatism and older ones whose spherical lenses no longer correct their vision well enough,” he emphasised.

He would also like to see more evidence become available on the effectiveness of myopia management in an older cohort, so that he is more informed when deciding whether to recommend patients continue myopia management into their 20s.

When it comes to navigating the issue of the affordability of interventions, Hallam shared that many parents do not see cost as a barrier when they understand the long-term benefits of controlling myopia.

“Our job is to ensure they understand the options and with myopia control the argument is compelling. Too often we project our concerns about cost on to people, rather than helping them make an informed decision,” he emphasised.

Becoming mainstream

When Ian Cameron introduced myopia management a decade ago with off-label multifocal contact lenses, Cameron Optometry was among a small minority of optometry practices in the UK aiming to limit the progression of myopia.

As the variety of interventions has expanded and research supporting myopia management has accumulated, myopia management has become widely adopted within the profession.

“It’s encouraging to see myopia management become mainstream, making it more accessible,” he shared.

Cameron recalled being at the Scottish Optometric Conference several years ago when attendees were asked if they were offering myopia management.

“In a room of optometrists, only two people put their hand up to say they were offering myopia management. Now, over 90% of practices are offering some form of it,” he said.

He observed that with the introduction of myopia management spectacles, dispensing has become crucial.

Cameron shared that this has enabled dispensing opticians at his practice to develop their interest and expertise in the field.

“They’ve really enjoyed being involved at a more clinical level in myopia management,” he said.

Cameron observed that although there have been significant advancements in myopia management, public awareness remains low – particularly regarding the health risks of myopia and the importance of taking action early.

“I would like to see widespread public education – through schools, healthcare providers, and community initiatives – to ensure all children, regardless of socioeconomic background, benefit from early intervention,” he emphasised.

A team effort

Optometrist and practice director, Bhavin Shah, introduced myopia management to Central Vision Opticians in 2016.

“At the time, the range of available interventions was limited, but I saw the potential for proactive treatment rather than just prescribing stronger glasses every year,” he shared.

Shah told OT that he was seeing more children coming through his practice with high levels of myopia – and the associated elevated risk of ocular complications later in life.

“When research showed that we could slow downmyopia progression with interventions like special contact lenses and orthokeratology, I knew this had to be a core part of my practice,” he observed.

When Shah started out in myopia management, he offered dual focus contact lenses and MiSight® 1 day contact lenses.

It’s encouraging to see myopia management become mainstream, making it more accessible

Over time, as Shah gained experience, his range of interventions expanded to include ortho-k and newer spectacle lens designs, such as the Hoya MiyoSmart and Essilor Stellest lens.

“We’ve also refined our patient journey, using axial length measurements to track effectiveness and tailor treatment plans,” he said.

Shah shared that while cost can be a concern for parents, he chooses to focus on the value offered by myopia management rather than the price.

“Reducing the rate of change and the risk of complications in later life can outweigh the cost of management,” he said.

Reflecting on what he has learned about communicating with patients about myopia management, Shah highlighted the value of using straightforward language.

“Simplify the science – parents and children don’t need complex terminology,” he shared.

While optical interventions are important, Shah also takes time to give patients and their families advice on lifestyle changes, outdoor time, and good visual habits.

Shah highlighted that myopia management should be a team effort.

“Parents, children, optometrists and the practice team need to work together,” he said.