There is currently no obligation for an optometrist to recommend a particular treatment for myopia management, according to guidance published by the College of Optometrists.
It reasons that efficacy and safety data is not yet fully established with current evidence. However, Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, says: ‘Optometrists should make sure that they can hold a discussion with patients and parents about the evidence, the benefits and the risks, if asked about myopia management interventions.’
There is a wealth of myopia-related resources and tools available at the disposal of practitioners from various sources in the industry, including the College’s patient leaflet, podcast and CET.
Bilkhu adds that patients should keep up to date with evidence, explain this to patients, discuss how they will measure outcomes of any treatment, as well as obtain explicit consent and keep accurate patient records.
Myopia can no longer be considered a benign refractive error correctable by optical means, according to Debbie Jones, clinical scientist at the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (Core).
Subscribe for full access to this content
Thank you for visiting Optician. To read more of our content, including the latest news, analysis and interactive CPD modules, start your subscription from just £21.75.