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March 16, 2026
Photo provided by SightGlass Vision
On July 1, 2025, the city of Halifax served as the backdrop for a significant milestone in pediatric eye care: the official Canadian launch of MiSight® Spectacle Lenses Powered by Diffusion Optics Technology. Held just ahead of the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) Congress and organized by CooperVision, the event drew a large assembly of eye care professionals from across the country.
The evening was structured to provide a comprehensive bridge between rigorous clinical data and the practicalities of everyday optometric practice. Attendees were introduced to Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT), the technology behind MiSight® Spectacle Lenses, a unique approach that departs from traditional methods of myopia control.
The Science of Contrast: A Novel Mechanism
Jennifer Hill, Associate Clinical Affairs Director at SightGlass Vision, opened the proceedings by detailing the importance of myopia control and the specific innovation behind the lenses. Unlike traditional myopia control lenses that utilize myopic defocus for myopia control, lenses incorporating Diffusion Optics Technology use contrast management to manage myopia.
Hill explained the established link between environmental contrast and eye growth.1 Research indicates that spending time outdoors in natural, low-contrast environments is protective against the onset of myopia.2,3 Conversely, the modern indoor lifestyle—dominated by high-contrast digital devices and near-work activities—is believed to overstimulate retinal signals, contributing to axial elongation.1
It was noted during the session, “Lenses using Diffusion Optics Technology reduces this high contrast, creating a visual experience more similar to a low-contrast outdoor environment, which appears to have a protective effect.”4,5,6 Diffusion Optics Technology achieves this by integrating thousands of light-scattering elements in the lens, that softly scatter light before it reaches the retina.4 Importantly for young patients, Hill demonstrated that this technology is “easy to visualize in demonstration to families and is almost invisible once worn by the child.”
Robust Data Across Populations
The scientific foundation of the lens was further solidified by the presentation of data from two major clinical trials: the CYPRESS study conducted in the U.S. and Canada, and the CATHAY study in China. The results across these diverse populations were consistent.
In the North American study, the lenses reduced myopia progression by 74% (cSER) and 0.15mm (axial length elongation) at 12-months, and in the Chinese study, myopia progression was reduced by was 75% (cSER) and 0.26 mm (axial length elongation) at 12-months.*4,6 The CYPRESS study demonstrated, at 24-months amongst full time wearers, 59% reduction in refractive progression and 0.21 mm less axial growth.**7 Younger children, specifically those aged 6 to 7, showed some of the strongest benefits, with average myopia progression reducing by 57% (cSER) in the North American population over 24-months.¥8
Beyond efficacy, the presentations addressed the critical factor of visual performance. Hill shared data indicating that MiSight® Spectacle Lenses Powered by Diffusion Optics Technology provide visual acuity equivalent to standard single-vision lenses, even when the patient looks through the peripheral treatment zone. Key metrics such as contrast sensitivity and reading speed remained clinically equivalent to standard lenses, ensuring that the treatment does not compromise a child’s daily visual experience.10
Real-World Perspectives: From the Clinic to the Podium
While the clinical data provided a necessary foundation, the event prioritized the experiences of practitioners who have already integrated Diffusion Optics Technology into their clinics. Dr. Kylvin Ho presented a retrospective study from his own practice and was later joined by Dr. Shalu Pal and Drs. Jeff and Tina Goodhew for a dynamic panel discussion.
Photo provided by SightGlass Vision
Dr. Tina Goodhew shared a compelling early experience involving a set of twins with identical myopia. In an informal “N of 1” study, she assigned one twin to Diffusion Optics Technology and the other to peripheral defocus lenses. “At the end of the first six months, I noted that one twin progressed at half the rate in terms of myopia compared to her sister, and also her axial length increased at half the rate,” she observed. The results were so persuasive that the mother insisted that both daughters be switched to lenses with Diffusion Optics Technology immediately.
This real-world success led the Goodhew clinic to adopt a standard of care where all children under 10 opting for spectacle-based myopia control are placed in these lenses. “It was nice to hear study data backing up our adopted standard of care,” she added.
Dr. Ho, who has prescribed these lenses for four years, emphasized the ease of integration. He noted that “the primary takeaway from the event is that the Canadian practitioners now have an additional option within the myopia management toolkit—one that is safe, effective11,12 and straightforward to integrate into clinical practice.”
Addressing Patient and Parent Concerns
A common hurdle in new pediatric technology is “cosmesis” —how the glasses actually look on a child’s face. The panel noted that this has not proven to be an issue for them. However, the practitioners emphasized that the technology’s success depends on more than just the lens design. “An additional message that was emphasized was the importance of full-time wear and treatment adherence,” the presenters noted. Whether a child uses glasses or contact lenses, the therapy is only effective when worn consistently, requiring a firm commitment from both the child and the family.
A Collaborative Future
The launch event concluded with a lively Q&A session where attendees asked about product integration and specific patient profiles. For many, the highlight was the opportunity to network with like-minded colleagues and exchange strategies for tackling the rising prevalence of myopia in Canada.
As Dr. Ho reflected, the event was about more than just a product launch; it was about advancing the community’s collective approach to eye health. “Sharing my experience allowed me to encourage colleagues to become more active in myopia management,” he said.
The introduction of MiSight® Spectacle Lenses Powered by Diffusion Optics Technology™ provides Canadian optometrists with an evidence-based, robust tool that mimics more natural contrast4 to protect the long-term vision of their youngest patients. With the official launch now complete, the focus shifts from the lecture halls of Halifax to clinics across the country where this technology will begin to make a daily difference.
Notes
MiSight® Spectacle Lenses Powered by Diffusion Optics Technology and SightGlass Vision™ products are not available for sale in the United States.
*Patient population aged 6–10 years (CYPRESS) and 6–13 years (CATHAY). Significant difference versus control at 12 months: CATHAY study (DOT™ 0.2): change in cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (cSER): −0.48 D (p<0.0001), 75% reduction; change in axial length (AL): 0.26 mm (p<0.0001).CYPRESS study (DOT™ 0.2): cSER difference: −0.40 D (p<0.0001), 74% reduction; AL difference: 0.15 mm (p<0.0001).
**Analysis based on parent responses to in-office question, “Does your child remove their spectacles for any near vision activities?” (n=51 DOT™ 0.2, n=62 control).
¥Analysis based on children aged 6-7 years at enrolment (<<DOT™ 0.2>> group n=23, control group n=26). Change from baseline in cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction at 24- months was -0.58 D and -1.34 D on average in the <<DOT™ 0.2>> and control groups respectively (p<0.0009). Change in axial length from baseline was 0.71 mm and 1.03 mm on average in the <<DOT™ 0.2>> group and control group respectively (p=0.0016).
References
- Neitz M et al. Insight from OPN1LW Gene Haplotypes into the Cause and Prevention of Myopia. Genes. 2022;13(6):942
- Morgan et al. IMI Risk Factors for Myopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2021 Apr 28;62(5):3. doi: 10.1167/iovs.62.5.3. PMID: 33909035; PMCID: PMC8083079.
- Eppenberger LS, Sturm V. The Role of Time Exposed to Outdoor Light for Myopia Prevalence and Progression: A Literature Review. Clin Ophthalmol. 2020; 2;14:1875-1890.
- Rappon et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 12-month results of a randomized controlled, efficacy and safety study (CYPRESS). Br J Ophthalmol. 2023;107(11):1709–1715.
- Laughton D, et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 4-year results of a multicentre randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study (CYPRESS): BMJ Open Ophthalmology 2024;9:e001790;
- Laughton et al. Control of myopia using contrast modulation spectacle lenses in a Chinese population: 12-month results. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2025;66(8):2815.
- Rappon J, Neitz J, Neitz M, et al. Two-year effectiveness of a novel myopia management spectacle lens with full-time wearers. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:408.
- Laughton et al. Two-year effectiveness of a novel myopia management spectacle lens in young myopes. NCC conference presentation 2022
- Laughton et al. Age effect on myopia control efficacy with contrast management spectacle lenses. BCLA 2025 presentation
- Wolffsohn SJ et al. Visual impact of diffusion optic technology lenses for myopia control. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2024; 44: 1398–1406.
- Laughton D, et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 4-year results of a multicentre randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study (CYPRESS): BMJ Open Ophthalmology 2024;9:e001790.
- Hill et al. Myopia progression after cessation of Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT™) spectacle lenses. Presented at ARVO 2025. Abstract 4259948
