On September 6, 2022, the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) hosted an openaccess, free webinar, bringing together key professional bodies to discuss the latest professional guidance on myopia management across the UK. The goal was to provide a cohesive message, with clarification and support for all UK-based clinicians on myopia management. The webinar was moderated by Richard
Edwards of the Optical Consumer Complaints Society (OCCS) and featured the following panellists: Dr Manbir Nagra, programme lead for myopia management certificate at BCLA; Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, clinical advisor at the College of Optometrists; Dr Peter Hampson, clinical director at the Association of Optometrists (AOP) and Max Halford from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, (ABDO).
Focus on familiarity
The first question directed to the panel enquired about where the profession stood on myopia management. Dr Bilkhu expressed that myopia management is a true landmark for UK optometry. Halford
commented that this is a great time for dispensing opticians to be recognised as clinicians and be involved in the management of young myopic patients. When asked what concerns the panellists
had about myopia management, Dr Hampson responded that it was important clinicians familiarised themselves with the latest clinical evidence and did not ‘oversell’ myopia management. Halford added that myopia management had previously been considered a specialist and ‘niche’ practice, but the latest guidance states that all clinicians must be able to inform suitable patients and parents about the significance of myopia and interventions now available, regardless of their prescribing status.
Dr Nagra responded to a question about what professional bodies are doing to help educate clinicians about myopia management by mentioning contact lenses were the first major option for myopia management, which meant the BCLA has been in the myopia arena for many years. Dr Bilkhu highlighted how the latest College myopia management guidance helps clinicians offer advice and treatment in a safe and confident manner. As well as providing education and resources in the field of myopia, Dr Hampson discussed how the AOP will also highlight the importance of obtaining informed consent in practice.
Dr Nagra said the BCLA recently formed a special interest group on myopia management, tasked with leading the strategy on behalf of the organisation, for the benefit of members and patients. Dr Bilkhu added that clinicians also have a responsibility to review independently and update their own knowledge. Making time for education and continued professional development is important and might include setting online notifications for when new myopia management peer-review articles are published and available, for example.
Dr Hampson confirmed that myopia will continue to be part of the education programme from the AOP going forward, alongside the informed consent form and additional patient information. He also shared that clinical research in myopia is constantly changing and there may sometimes be a time lag before new evidence is reviewed and professional advice and guidance updated. Halford added that ABDO runs ‘journal clubs’ to help clinicians interpret and apply the latest research papers into practice.
Edwards recognised that the body of evidence will continue to increase over the next five to 10 years, which may be overwhelming for some clinicians.
Duty bound
Citing the recent College guidance, Dr Nagra pointed out that, even if clinicians aren’t currently offering myopia management, they should be making parents aware of the significance and associated risks of myopia progression.
Discussing myopia will become the norm, according to Dr Bilkhu. He added that clinicians should be mindful that the risk of myopia-related pathology is small and should be put in perspective when talking to parents and children. However, the potential benefits of improved quality of life and thinner and lighter spectacle lenses should not be underestimated.
The panel agreed that clinicians are duty bound to have a discussion with parents and patients and keep them informed about the latest developments. Clinicians should discuss myopia, as they would with any other eye disease, and explain their findings to patients (and parents if relevant) at the end of an eye examination, including what treatment options are available to them.
Dr Hampson professed that this proactive communication should be the standard of care, now and in the future. Halford discussed the value of myopia management being a collaborative effort within a practice, with parents and patients offered advice at every touch point. Dr Hampson talked about safe practice with conversations being tailored for individual patients rather than using a generic approach.
All participants agreed that myopia and its management is an area that should be led by our profession. Using an evidence-based approach in practice ensures that both patient safety and professional integrity are retained.
Watch the webinar and access further information about myopia management on the BCLA’s website: bcla.org.uk.
