October 1, 2024
By Dwight Akerman, OD, MBA, FAAO, FBCLA, FIACLE
Standard of care refers to the level of care, skill, and judgment that a reasonable, prudent health care professional with the same training and experience would provide in similar circumstances. It is often interchanged with the phrase duty of care. Standard of care involves following established practices and guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. The standard of care can vary depending on the specific condition being treated, the prevailing practices within a particular medical community, and any exceptional circumstances that may apply to the individual patient.
Health care professionals are expected to stay updated with the latest developments in their field and provide care that is consistent with current best practices. In the context of myopia management, staying abreast of the latest research and best practices is crucial for optometrists to ensure they are providing the best possible care for their patients. Adhering to the standard of care not only benefits individual patients but also contributes to the overall quality and integrity of the profession.
The letter to the editor, “Myopia management is now ‘standard of care'”1 by M. J. Lipson, published in Optometry and Vision Science in 2024, illuminates the evolving landscape of myopia management within the optometric and ophthalmologic professions. Dr. Lipson compellingly argues that myopia management has evolved from an emerging concept to an established standard of care within the eye care community, necessitating a substantial shift in mindset and practices among eye care professionals. The author highlights the escalating global prevalence of myopia and its associated ocular health risks, underlining the critical importance of proactive myopia management to mitigate potential vision-threatening complications such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, and glaucoma.
Furthermore, Lipson emphasizes the pivotal role of evidence-based practice in myopia management, advocating for the integration of scientific research and clinical guidelines into prescribing protocols. The call to embrace a more comprehensive and proactive approach to myopia care solidifies the argument that myopia management is no longer just an option but an imperative component of practice.
The article also delves into the practical aspects of implementing myopia management within optometric and ophthalmologic clinics, including the utilization of various optical and pharmaceutical interventions such as orthokeratology, multifocal contact lenses, and atropine therapy to address myopia progression. Dr. Lipson outlines the potential benefits and limitations of these interventions, empowering eye care professionals with the knowledge needed to make well-informed treatment decisions aligned with the best practices in myopia management.
Moreover, the article underlines the significance of patient-centered care and shared decision-making, arguing that the transition to myopia management as a standard of care necessitates a collaborative approach involving the patient, their family, and the eye care provider. By involving patients in discussions about their myopia management options and expected outcomes, eye care professionals can facilitate informed decision-making and increase patient compliance with prescribed treatments.
Addressing the educational implications of myopia management becoming a standard of care, Dr. Lipson stresses the need to update optometric curricula to incorporate comprehensive education on myopia epidemiology, optics, and various management strategies. This underscores the necessity for ongoing professional development and continuous learning to ensure that optometrists are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality myopia care.
The critical takeaway from Dr. Lipson’s article is the evolving perception of myopia within the optometric community. By framing myopia management as a standard of care, the author challenges optometrists to elevate their professional responsibilities and embrace a proactive, evidence-based approach to addressing myopia. This signifies a fundamental paradigm shift in how myopia is perceived and managed within the optometric profession, marking a departure from traditional reactive approaches towards a preventative and therapeutic stance.
Regarding policy and position statements relative to the treatment of myopia in children, various professional organizations have provided compelling guidelines and recommendations to address this issue. The International Myopia Institute, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Global Myopia Awareness Coalition, World Council of Optometry, and World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus have all emphasized the vital importance of proactive myopia management in children to mitigate the potential risks associated with myopia progression. These organizations have underscored the necessity for evidence-based practice and the incorporation of scientific research and clinical guidelines into the decision-making process for myopia management in children.
In conclusion, Dr. Lipson’s article persuasively argues that myopia management has transcended its status as an emerging concept to become an indispensable standard of care within optometry and ophthalmology. The key insights presented are supported by the policy and position statements of reputable organizations, emphasizing the vital importance of evidence-based, proactive, and patient-centered myopia management in children. Through the alignment of these recommendations with Dr. Lipson’s compelling arguments, it is evident that myopia management has undergone a substantial paradigm shift and is now firmly established as a standard of care within the optometric profession.
Best professional regards,
Dwight H. Akerman, OD, MBA, FAAO, FBCLA, FIACLE
Chief Medical Editor
dwight.akerman@gmail.com
References
1 Lipson, M. J. (2024). Myopia management is now “standard of care.” Optometry and Vision Science, 101(7), 446-449.
