As myopia awareness week drew to a close, it was interesting to read some of the online debate about myopia management in high street optometry practices, but what really struck me were the varying takes on the subject, even now.
Raising awareness of myopia and its management should revolve around mobilising parents and teachers, giving them the knowledge to make educated decisions about when to visit an optometrist.
But when the visit does come, practitioners should be singing from the same hymn sheet. Subjects of debate included: whether to measure axial length or use an Rx to chart myopia slow down, ‘gold standards’, and genetic (old) versus environmental (new) myopia. Some even described themselves as myopia management ‘disbelievers’.
Given the cost of myopia management interventions, it’s fair to assume that many parents may shop around. Some will remain loyal to their practice, but those that do shop around may well come across different views and approaches. How is it going to look if an optometrist says they ‘don’t believe’ in myopia management after another practice has quoted north of £400 for a pair of spectacles for their child? Not very good, I imagine.
Myopia management interventions are well established now, but there needs to be firmer guidance from sector bodies and a uniform approach from practitioners. You don’t have to look back too far to remember the blue light debacle. It would be a crime for myopia management to go down the same path, but at least there’s evidence out there.
Speaking of evidence, as spectacle lens designs for myopia management become more widely available to independent labs and cheaper in overall cost, the quality of the evidence is likely to decrease – in some cases it’s happening already. Being able to rely on solid evidence is going to be crucial for myopia management going forward.
