July 1, 2022
By Dwight Akerman, OD, MBA, FAAO, FBCLA, FIACLE
Orthokeratology (OrthoK) represents a small but growing segment of the U.S. contact lens market. Data on OrthoK prescribers, patients, and the overall OrthoK market has been minimal. The Fitting of Orthokeratology in the United States (FOKUS) survey provides information about the United States (U.S.) OrthoK market. This independent survey is a detailed assessment of the OrthoK market from eye care providers in the U.S. who manage OrthoK patients and those who do not. The FOKUS survey covers 1) practice and practitioner profiles, 2) clinical prescribing patterns, 3) patient profiles, 4) products and marketing, 5) fees, and 6) market size and growth.
The number of ECPs actively fitting and managing OrthoK patients in the U.S. is approximately 3,000. A total of 545 responded to the survey, and 283 reported that they actively fit orthokeratology. Orthokeratology is prescribed with the intent of managing myopia by 68% of respondents. Of those who fit OrthoK, 53% monitor axial length, and 61% start OrthoK patients at age 13 or under. The mean number of years a patient wears OrthoK is 7.8. A commonly reported complication with orthokeratology is corneal staining. Microbial keratitis (MK) was rarely or never seen by 86% of respondents. Of those currently fitting, 56% anticipated growth of orthokeratology fitting over the next 12 months. Of those not currently fitting orthokeratology, 46% plan to start within two years.
The data include a profile of an OrthoK fitter, prescribing patterns, clinical preferences, and fee structures. Responses indicate a high potential for growth within the next two years. Results of the FOKUS survey are relevant to practitioners currently fitting or considering orthokeratology, in addition to manufacturers, educators, and researchers as a baseline for future orthokeratology market assessment.
Abstract
Fitting of Orthokeratology in the United States: A Survey of the Current State of Orthokeratology
Michael J. Lipson and Louise R. Curcio
Significance: The Fitting of Orthokeratology in the United States (FOKUS) survey provides information about the United States (U.S.) OrthoK market.
Purpose: Develop and administer a survey to eye care providers (ECPs) in the U.S. who are managing orthokeratology patients and those who are not to determine a profile of prescribers, patients, and the overall market.
Methods: The FOKUS survey was administered and distributed online. Outcome measures of the FOKUS survey involved general categories of 1) practice and practitioner profiles, 2) clinical prescribing patterns, 3) patient profile, 4) products and marketing, 5) fees, and 6) market size and growth.
Results: The number of ECPs who are actively fitting and managing OrthoK patients in the U.S. is approximately 3,000. A total of 545 responded to the survey, and 283 reported they were actively fitting orthokeratology. Orthokeratology is prescribed with the intent of managing myopia by 68% of respondents, 53% monitor axial length, and 61% start OrthoK patients at age 13 years old or under. The mean number of years a patient wears OrthoK is 7.8. A commonly reported complication with orthokeratology is corneal staining. Microbial keratitis (MK) is rarely or never seen by 86% of respondents. Of those currently fitting, 56% anticipate growth of orthokeratology fitting over the next twelve months. Of those not currently fitting orthokeratology, 46% plan to start within two years.
Conclusions: Orthokeratology represents a small but growing segment of the U.S. contact lens market. The number of practitioners actively prescribing and fitting orthokeratology in the U.S. is approximately 3,000, with a high potential for growth within the next two years. Results of the FOKUS survey are relevant to practitioners currently fitting or considering orthokeratology, manufacturers, educators, and researchers as a baseline for future orthokeratology market assessment.
Lipson, M. J., & Curcio, L. R. Fitting of Orthokeratology in the United States: A Survey of the Current State of Orthokeratology. Optometry and Vision Science. June 3, 2022 [Epub ahead of print].
DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001911
