Translating rules into reality

The updated 2022 College of Optometrists guidance on myopia management covers the steps optometrists should take when introducing myopia management and the information that should be conveyed to parents and patients.

The College of Optometrists highlights that practitioners should have the relevant knowledge and skills to be able to offer myopia management. As with any form of therapeutic intervention, optometrists should obtain informed consent in order to proceed with myopia management.

Optometrists need to keep accurate records of the discussions that occurred before consent was given to proceed with myopia management. Practitioners should also consider how they will measure outcomes.

AOP head of education and OT clinical editor, Dr Ian Beasley, highlighted that the guidance means those not offering myopia management need to be aware of local services so they can direct patients accordingly.

“The College of Optometrists emphasises the need for all optometrists to remain familiar with current evidence whether they offer myopia management or not so they can offer appropriate advice to patients,” he said.

Recently updated AOP guidance states that while being able to directly measure axial length change over time is the optimal method for assessing outcomes, these measurements are not widely used in mainstream clinical practice at present.

Any increased awareness of myopia management will ultimately be to the benefit of young myopic patients

Cycloplegic autorefraction allows for repeatable, objective assessment to review change between baseline measures and follow-up visits.

Head of professional services at CooperVision, Christina Olner, welcomed the recognition by the College of Optometrists of myopia management. “Any increased awareness of myopia management will ultimately be to the benefit of young myopic patients,” she said.

Olner highlighted that a free training programme is provided through the CooperVision Learning Academy for those prescribing MiSight 1 day.

“This is a relatively new field and many practitioners may lack the necessary skills and experience to discuss or even introduce myopia management into their practice, which is why we offer a range of evidence-based training and accreditation,” she said.

Topcon clinical affairs manager Danielle Lee shared that the updated College of Optometrists guidance reflects growing awareness of myopia management among eye care professionals and the public.

Topcon has seen an increase in sales of its Myah biometry device since the College of Optometrists published its updated guidance on myopia.

“The ability to utilise technology to capture axial length data for patients quickly in clinic allows us to screen patients at a much earlier age, particularly those with high risk factors, monitor progression, and intervene earlier and with more efficacy,” Lee shared.

CooperVision has an online tool to estimate axial length. Find out more online.