The view from practice

“Every myopic child deserves the opportunity to have their myopia progression slowed down for the sake of their future vision and ocular health,” she shared with OT.

That slowed growth curve is not the effort of a single clinician, but a collective effort by all practice staff at Specsavers Norwich to raise awareness of the significant benefits that myopia management can offer young people.

Contact lens optician, Nicola Soukal, highlighted that she considers every myopic child a candidate for myopia management.

During new fittings, Soukal will outline the different options in conversation with patients, parents and guardians – emphasising the long-term health benefits of myopia management.

“I’m now seeing patients who have been on myopia management for a while, and it is gratifying to tell them 'No change in your prescription' after they were used to constant deterioration,” she shared with OT.

She highlighted that alongside reducing myopia progression, contact lenses can help to increase their engagement in sport and boost the confidence of young people.

“Contact lenses can benefit children, especially for activities like PE lessons where they might be asked to remove their spectacles,” Soukal said.

When it comes to supporting patients, Soukal makes an effort to emphasise the importance of wearing times from the beginning of the patient’s myopia management journey.

“By explaining the importance of compliance from the initial appointment, it becomes easier to support the patient's journey. Regular check-ups are crucial for ensuring compliance and continuously reinforcing its importance,” she shared.

It is incredibly rewarding to see patients return with minimal or no changes in their prescription

Specsavers Norwich contact lens manager, Kelly Shipman, helps to raise awareness of myopia management among patients by providing families with information ahead of their appointment.

“I support the practice by reviewing the children’s appointments for the following day. I'll send out a myopia awareness video to those who are suitable – ensuring parents, guardians, and patients have this information – and place a note on the file and appointment,” she said.

Shipman will also discuss myopia management when booking contact lens fitting appointments with children who have a myopic prescription.

She will explain that myopia management is a therapy that helps to slow down the progression of the prescription.

“I always mention that I wish it had been available when I was younger. I also emphasise the importance of adhering to the recommended wear time for the treatment to be effective,” she said.

Lifestyle lessons

Evans, alongside fellow Specsavers Norwich optometrist, Agnes Olotewo, help to educate young patients and their families about myopia management.

Evans noted that part of her role as an optometrist is increasing awareness of lifestyle factors that can contribute to myopia risk.

“I address myopia management when enquiring about screen time, especially in families with a history of myopia. I explain that if myopia does develop, we now have options to help slow its progression, ensuring awareness is established in advance,” she said.

Among children who are candidates for myopia management, Evans shared that discussing the different options and the likely progression without intervention, supported by evidence, can aid uptake.

For young people who choose to take up myopia management, Evans will consider their lifestyle and preferences when making a recommendation about whether glasses or contact lenses are the best option.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see patients return with minimal or no changes in their prescription, where traditionally they would have become significantly more myopic,” she said.

Olotewo shared with OT that she views making patients aware of myopia management as part of her duty of care as an optometrist.

Over time, she has observed an increase in the uptake of myopia management. She has seen patients whose prescriptions have stabilised following this intervention.

“Myopia management is definitely worth considering, given the long-term benefits to the eyes throughout the patient's lifetime,” she said.

Olotewo will discuss the influence of lifestyle factors in the development of myopia, such as screen use and outdoor activities.

She finds that myopia management contact lenses are often a more suitable option in children who play sports.

“For parents who are reluctant for their child to wear contact lenses, I strive to educate them,” she said.