December 16, 2025
By Caitlyn McHugh-Glab, OD
Photo credit: Getty Images
When I purchased Focused Eye Care in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, in 2019, I already knew I wanted to make progressive myopia management the core of my practice. Five years later, I see how every decision—from equipment purchases to community outreach—has shaped a clinic that intervenes early, educates thoroughly and applies data-driven protocols to control myopia progression.
My passion for myopia control revved up at the AOA on Capitol Hill in 2024, when the American Optometric Association and CooperVision launched The Myopia Collective and called for Change Agent nominations. The mission was crystal clear: raise awareness that unchecked myopia carries long-term risks and arm practitioners with the tools to intervene. I was honored to be selected in the inaugural cohort and to attend the second Change Agents gathering in Chicago this past August. Collaborating with like-minded colleagues has pushed me to refine clinical protocols, share case studies and continually elevate our standard of care.
Building Clinical Infrastructure
I run most of the myopia management myself, working alongside an associate doctor (half-day weekly) and three dedicated staff. From the start, I invested in instruments that give objective, reproducible data.
My Topcon optical biometer and corneal topographer provides me with axial length measurements at baseline and every six months, as well as corneal curvature mapping to monitor orthokeratology fit and stability.
More recently, I added Ocumetra, which allows me to create customized printouts showing current refractive error and axial length trends and visual growth curves that help families see exactly how their child is responding.
These technologies streamline our exam-room conversations. Rather than abstract percentages, parents see millimeter-level changes in axial length and diopter shifts over time. When we review a report together, I can be specific about any changes in the child’s vision and axial length measurement and how that compares to the trends.
Data-Driven Treatment Plans
Every treatment recommendation begins with objective growth metrics and a child’s lifestyle profile. My first-line option, especially for most early progressive cases, is the MiSight 1 Day Soft Contact Lenses. I’ll select OrthoK for children who are swimmers or play high-impact sports. It’s interesting, too, that what works for one child in the family may not be the best option for a sibling.
By aligning treatment to both the axial growth curve and daily activities, I deliver plans that resonate clinically and practically.
Transparent Financial Model
To remove barriers, I offer a global-fee program that includes all visits, measurements, reports and lenses. Families receive a full fee breakdown at the outset. I emphasize that only the MiSight training charge is nonrefundable—an intentional measure to secure commitment while allowing the family to explore the option. My goal is simple: make myopia management accessible to every child who needs it. Too often I see new patients with prescriptions of −3.00D or worse whose parents have never heard about progressive control options—an oversight I refuse to repeat.
I also work to celebrate the success with these young patients. Rather than say their vision or axial length have gotten “worse,” I’ll say, “You’re doing a fantastic job,” and focus on positive milestones.
Victories, such as a young patient mastering insertion, or a follow-up visit with no change in axial length or prescription, fuel my dedication and fuel word-of-mouth referrals. Myopia management in a small practice setting demands resilience, continuous education and a willingness to invest in both people and technology. As I refine protocols, consider expanding to a second exam lane and deepen collaborations through The Myopia Collective, I remain committed to making the standard of care truly standard—one evidence-based measurement at a time.
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Dr. Caitlyn McHugh-Glab received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Illinois Wesleyan University and went on to attend the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) in Chicago, IL, where she graduated summa cum laude. Dr. McHugh-Glab examines patients of all ages for primary eye care and contact lens fittings, but has a passion for working with children. She has a special interest and expertise in myopia management. She’s certified to fit MiSight contact lenses and Paragon CRT contact lenses for overnight correction of nearsightedness. She is an active member of the American Optometric Association and Illinois Optometric Association.
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Read more about Dr. McHugh-Glab in our sister publication Women in Optometry here
