Here is a checklist for success that includes 14 takeaways for Getting Started with Myopia Management. Refer back to the sections preceding if you need more detail.
1. Start as Early as Possible
- Initiate myopia management at the first sign of onset (≥ –0.50 D/year progression or axial‐length increase higher than what is normal for the child’s age.
- Remember that “every diopter matters.” Slowing progression by 1.00D cuts the risk of myopic maculopathy by 40%.
2. Don’t Let Equipment Hold You Back
- If you lack a biometer, use reliable refractive measurements—treatment shouldn’t be delayed by instrumentation.
- However, also map out a phased instrumentation plan (e.g., start with refractive tools, then add topographer/biometer) and explore financing or shared-use models.
- Once you are geared up with proper instrumentations, it is also key to apply evidence-based data for data interpretation based on the individual’s age-norm and other pertinent risk factors for myopia.
3. Personalize Your Treatment Plan
- Factor in age, rate of progression, axial‐length percentile, lifestyle (sports, habits), family history, compliance likelihood and costs.
4. Know Your Arsenal
- Available options today include orthokeratology, soft dual‐focus contact, multifocal contacts, low-dose atropine and novel spectacle designs.
- Don’t overlook the option of combining modalities for patients who are poor responders to monotherapy.
5. Navigate FDA Approvals—and Off-Label Use
- Understand the value of the FDA approval process and the confidence that brings to families. • • For off-label therapies, secure clear, documented informed consent.
6. Keep Track
- Measure axial length periodically; conduct cycloplegic refraction annually. Track cumulative absolute reduction in axial elongation (C.A.R.E.).
- Be familiar with the centile curves for age normative data for risk assessment; yet also be cognizant of the annualized axial growth pattern for more objective and accurate clinical assessment and avoid overgeneralization (Bullimore, Brennan. 2025).
- Treatment progress and outcomes can be varied based on each child’s response to the treatment. Always “graduate” patients in partnership with parent and patient.
7. Build Your Networks
- Partner with pediatricians, ophthalmologists, school nurses and other ODs.
- Send concise reports and host joint educational events to drive referrals.
- Partner with schools for vision screenings, host myopia-awareness events and equip school nurses with referral pads or QR-code flyers to drive new patient flow.
8. Engage and Train Your Team
- Designate a myopia management coordinator.
- Train front-desk, technicians, opticians and billers on protocols, equipment and patient communication.
9. Educate and Empower Parents
- Explain myopia as a medical condition, not just a refractive error.
- Use the tools you have: plus-lens demos and growth-chart visuals
- Clarify risks, benefits and the necessity of compliance.
10. Create a Kid-Friendly Environment
- From pre-visit guides and playful waiting areas to consultation rooms sized for families—make every touchpoint comfortable and engaging.
11. Market Your Expertise and Value
- Internally flag at-risk children; externally leverage website, social media, community events and clear, all-inclusive fee structures to communicate benefits and build demand.
- Leverage your digital reach through social media and risk-assessment quizzes and information on your website.
- Create or license brochures, infographics and videos (e.g., office-tour guides, plus-lens demos, growth-chart posters) that you can hand out or embed online.
12. Define Your Fee Model and Chair-Cost
- Run a chair-cost analysis, decide your fee model and consider offering flexible payment plans or in-house or third-party-run subscriptions.
- Elevate your expertise and time spent. Do not undersell yourself.
- Differentiate your office from traditional insurance-dependent services rendered. Strives for more financial freedom and independence!
13. Keep Up with Emerging Evidence and Approvals
- Carve out regular “journal club” time or subscribe to myopia newsletters so you’re ready to implement the next generation of treatments.
- Seek out CE or find practice management sessions or articles.
14. Pass Along Your Knowledge
- Collect, audit and share your outcomes and learning.
- Share de-identified case studies with staff or referring doctors to demonstrate success.
- Plant the seeds early for staff or students who are interested in myopia management. Equip them with clinical exposure and knowledge to help communicate with young patients and their families confidently and effectively about myopia.
Read more articles in the Getting Started with Myopia Management series. Be sure to check back as the series will be updated regularly with more content.
