Optometrist and practice director, Deven Lakhani, has detailed the professional and personal rewards of offering myopia management in practice.
His practice, Hammond Opticians in Enfield, offers a full range of myopia control products – including spectacle lenses, daily wear contact lenses and orthokeratology.
Lakhani told OT that Hammond Opticians offers myopia management to families through a single monthly direct debit payment.
“We try and keep it really simple for parents. I am a parent myself and I know how difficult it can be – all parents want the best for their children,” he said.
“The payment covers everything that the children will need. It gives them full access to my professional care and covers all of their products,” Lakhani added.
Lakhani shared that there is no change to the regular payment if a child needs to switch modality during the course of their management plan.
The optometrist highlighted the importance of involving children in myopia management conversations.
“I say to everyone when they come to see me that I consider this a three-way conversation,” Lakhani said.
He explains to young people that he will provide the clinical expertise, but they also need to buy into the process.
Lakhani provides lifestyle advice around near-work and spending time outdoors.
“The children are allowed to ask me questions at any point and I always make the point of speaking to them, not to the parents,” he said.
When selecting a modality for myopia control, Lakhani will take into account the young person’s preference, hobbies and lifestyle.
“Based upon that, we make a recommendation about what we feel is the best option for that individual,” he said.
Lakhani highlighted that children wearing contact lenses have been able to more freely participate in activities that were previously hampered by wearing glasses.
“The introduction of contact lenses not only protected their vision, but gave them an inner self-confidence. I have seen them blossom in the few years I have been looking after them,” he said.
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