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October 2, 2023
By Dr. Keri Dennis
In this dynamic landscape of myopia management, the partnership with Johnson & Johnson Vision has armed us with innovative tools that hold the potential to pave the way to a hopeful future where the visual well-being of our patients knows no bounds.
Like many optometrists, I started seeing an increase in myopia in our pediatric population and recognized the need for myopia management in our office. In 2019 we started Mighty Eyes, a myopia management clinic dedicated to identifying risk factors for myopia in children and offering different modalities to manage their myopia. Orthokeratology quickly became the most frequently prescribed therapy in our office.
Once I learned that industry leader, Johnson & Johnson Vision was introducing ACUVUE Abiliti Overnight Therapeutic Lenses for Myopia Management, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for myopia management, I knew we needed to be the first in our area to offer it. The concept of myopia management is still new to many parents, and after many conversations with different families, I knew being able to say that the Abiliti Overnight Therapeutic Lens is approved by the FDA for myopia management would not only help communicate its evidence-based foundation, but also the safety profile, to parents.
As a parent myself, I found value in the FDA approval of the Abiliti Overnight Therapeutic Lens when it came time to start myopia management with my 7-year-old son last year. After a year on a different treatment option, I decided to incorporate OrthoK in his treatment plan. As an active 7-year-old who plays several sports, he was very happy to be glasses-free.* As a parent and optometrist, I have been thrilled with his success.
We have also found a high rate of success with first time fits by using FitAbiliti, the customized topography-based lens fitting software. After obtaining good baseline topographies, data is entered into the software, topographies are uploaded, and lens parameters are designed on the spot. We have found over 90% success with first time fits.^ This has reduced my chair time and number of refits, as fewer changes are needed to be made to the lenses early on. This also instills confidence for the patients and their parents as they achieve positive results and good vision early on in the journey. In a situation where we need to troubleshoot or make a change, the FitAbiliti software guides us through the process, taking into account the patient’s experience in the lens, topography results, and clinical decision making to optimize the next fit. The software also allows a streamlined way to track a patient’s progress at each follow up appointment. Especially for practitioners new to myopia management and OrthoK, FitAbiliti takes all the guesswork out and empowers doctors to make the best decisions for their patients.
Something we value in our clinic is the partnerships we have with our consultants. From the first video meeting with our Abiliti clinical sales consultant, I knew our passion and goals for myopia management aligned. The support we have received from Johnson & Johnson Vision and our consultant is second to none. We have regular meetings to discuss successes and challenges in our myopia clinic and learn about the different platforms Johnson & Johnson Vision is using to educate the public on myopia awareness, the risks associated with myopia, and the importance of regular eye exams for children. We frequently guide parents to the Abiliti website (seeyourabiliti.com) to learn more about why myopia management is important. This collaborative alliance enhances our ability to provide comprehensive patient education, ensuring that parents are well-informed and empowered to make informed decisions about their children’s myopia management journey.
As Johnson & Johnson Vision has been actively utilizing impactful social media marketing more and more to spread awareness about myopia, we look forward to the impact that will have on patient traffic in our office. We have already had parents call our office for a consultation because they saw our practice listed as a provider for Abilti Overnight lenses on the SeeYourAbiliti website.
In this dynamic landscape of myopia management, the partnership with Johnson & Johnson Vision has armed us with innovative tools that hold the potential to pave the way to a hopeful future where the visual well-being of our patients knows no bounds.
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Dr. Keri Dennis received her undergraduate degree from Wichita State University, and she graduated with honors from The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry in 2008. During that time, she gained experience while on externship at the Birmingham VA Medical Center and VisionAmerica. Dr. Dennis enjoys all aspects of primary eye care and has a particular interest in myopia control therapy or specific treatments to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. She also spearheads a Dry Eye Spa, specializing in the most advanced Dry Eye Therapy available. Dr. Dennis currently resides in Olathe with her husband and three kids. When they are not attending one of the kid’s activities, you can find them rooting for the Jayhawks, the Royals, or the Chiefs!
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*The lenses are indicated for reducing refractive error up to 6.00D of myopia and up to 1.50D of astigmatism. Results may vary by patient and prescription level.
^Final lens fit is determined by the ECP — software is for decision support only.
Important safety information: ACUVUE Abiliti Overnight Therapeutic (tisilfocon A) Contact Lenses are indicated for use in the management of myopia. They are indicated for overnight wear for the temporary reduction of myopia and should only be disinfected using a chemical disinfection system. As with any contact lens, eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. These lenses should not be prescribed if patients have any eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness, other eye problems, or if patients have any allergy to any ingredient in a solution which is to be used to care for these lenses. Complete information is also available from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. by calling 1-877-334-3937, or by visiting www.seeyourabiliti.com.
PP2023ABL4147
