Comanagement in myopia management is an emerging, new mindset between the practice optometrist and opticians on staff. This collaborative, holistic approach can elevate the patient experience—and increase compliance and outcomes.
To learn more, EB specifically surveyed opticians across the country to assess attitudes about their role, their knowledge base, their training sources, and other related preferences in myopia management. The lion’s share of respondents—about 75%—have been working as an optician for more than 10 years. They are spread evenly across the country by census region, and the majority are either the owner of their optical shop (29%) or the employee of an independent optometrist (49%).
As a whole, the responses were incredibly insightful—and sometimes unexpected. Interestingly, there are notable shifts from last year’s survey results.
For example, a majority of respondents now say that they have received training on myopia control, whereas in 2023 the majority said that they had not received any training.
Most respondents also stated that they are comfortable with their level of understanding of myopia control—and most discuss myopia management with the parents of patients to help educate and facilitate the process. Additionally, most have looked to trade journals and live CE courses as resources for training and educating themselves on myopia management.
Read on for more key insights from the annual EB Myopia x Opticians Study.
Do you collaborate with your practice’s optometrist to guide the patient’s myopia management experience?
Rate this statement: “I am comfortable with my level of understanding of myopia management.”
Have you received any training or education on myopia management?
A change from 2023, when 49% said “no” and 51% said “yes.”
The Myopia Connection
We asked opticians for their feedback on how they collaborate with their practice’s optometrist to help guide the patient’s myopia management experience—here are some of their replies.
▶ “I participate in the dispensing, teaching, and measuring fit for patients.”
▶ “Measuring, fitting patients with bifocals to slow myopic progression.”
▶ “At the handoff, the doctor discusses their recommendations.”
▶ “We are partners and work as a team.”
▶ “I do all follow-ups and fittings with the patient. I go over their plan and reach out to them throughout their myopia management experience.”
▶ “By getting information on the patient’s needs, to pair them with the best lens options for their myopia.”
What type of myopia management training/education have you received?
“Other” included answers such as “representative presentations,” “personal research,” and “doctor discusses in weekly meetings.” See related sidebar.
Which myopia management solutions are you familiar with?
“Other” included answers such as “center distance, multifocal contacts” and “outdoor/sunlight time and limiting of near focus load.”
In the last two years, have you seen an increase in demand for myopia management solutions from patients and/or their parents?
Which myopia management solutions do you most frequently suggest to patients?
“Other” included answers such as “center distance, multifocal contacts” and “as opticians, we let the doctor handle those types of discussions.”
The Education Extras
EB asked opticians for their feedback on how they have received education on myopia management and, beyond the answers in the chart on this subject, here is what they shared:
▶ “Synergy Eyes hands-on training.”
▶ “CooperVision MiSight demonstration.”
▶ “Personal research.”
▶ “Representative presentations.”
▶ “Directly from O.D.”
▶ “Hoya offers a lot of different training for lenses.”
▶ “The doctor discusses it at our weekly meetings.”
Rate this statement: “I am comfortable with my knowledge in fitting specialty contact lenses for myopia management.”
Rate this statement: “I frequently discuss myopia management with patients.”
The Biggest Challenges
What challenges have opticians encountered in guiding patients and parents in their myopia management journey? Here’s what our survey respondents have to say:
▶ “Pushback from parents because they don’t understand the urgency of controlling myopia.”
▶ “Cost is the biggest obstacle in the way. Most parents want the better lenses for their children but can’t afford them.”
▶ “Staff training, time management for fit, price.”
▶ “Anxiety on the part of the parents.”
▶ “Availability of spectacle lens options.”
Have you received any training or education on spectacle lenses for myopia management?
How do you communicate the benefits and risks of myopia control to patients and parents? Select all that apply.
“Other” included answers such as “doctor discusses before handoff” and “cite appropriate websites.”
