What is the Optician’s Role in Myopia Management?

Share

Tweet

Share

Share

Email

March 1, 2026

By Aamena Kazmi, OD, ABO Diplomate

As the prevalence of myopia accelerates and more myopia management options are introduced in the clinic, the demand for coordinated, team-based care has never been greater. Optometrists lead the clinical strategy for myopia management, but opticians play a pivotal—yet sometimes underutilized—role in ensuring successful outcomes. Regardless of the treatment modality selected—atropine drops, contact lenses, or spectacle lenses—opticians will have a touch—point with the patient. As such, opticians are uniquely positioned to optimize optical dispensing, enhance patient education, reinforce clinical recommendations, support treatment adherence and strengthen the overall effectiveness of myopia management programs. 

1. Provide Patient and Parent Education 

An optician’s communication can significantly shape a family’s understanding of myopia and its risks. Opticians are ideally positioned to build trust and improve treatment adherence by: 

• Reinforcing clinical recommendations and the “why” of myopia management: Opticians can reiterate the importance of axial elongation, not just correcting refractive error.
• Clarifying treatment options: While clinical decisions remain the optometrist’s domain, opticians can explain the practical differences between treatment modalities and how myopia control lenses differ from standard single-vision lenses.
• Addressing misconceptions: Opticians can dispel myths such as “glasses make eyes weaker” or “children can’t wear contact lenses,” which often hinder parental acceptance. 
• Discussing adaptation expectations and emphasizing the importance of compliance: Opticians can explain the optical design of myopia control lenses, the realistic duration of adjustment periods and expectations of wear-time-per-day for successful treatment. 

2. Offer Expertise in Lens Technologies, Frame Selection and Fitting Precision

Modern myopia management spectacle lenses incorporate advanced optical designs that create peripheral defocus or myopic blur signals. These lenses require precise centration, fitting height accuracy and appropriate frame selection to ensure optimal performance. The optician’s technical skills directly affect treatment efficacy. Poor centration or inappropriate frame choice can compromise the optical design and reduce myopia control effectiveness. 

An experienced optician understands that small fitting inaccuracies can have larger consequences in myopia control lenses compared to conventional lenses. Accurate pupillary distance measurements, vertical heights and stable frame fit maintaining appropriate vertex distance and pantoscopic tilt are essential. 

Additionally, children are asked to wear their glasses full-time, so durability, comfort and retention are essential for compliance. Children are active, growing, and often less careful with eyewear. As such, an optician must balance proper lens positioning, frame durability, comfort and aesthetic appeal. An optician who understands both optical principles and child-friendly frame design significantly enhances treatment success. 

3. Provide Technical Expertise and Quality Control 

Myopia control lenses for spectacles rely on complex optical designs that are sensitive to decentration. Opticians should:

• Check lens power accuracy and verify lens markings prior to dispensing.
• Ensure correct mounting and alignment. 
• Adjust frames to optimize pupil centration with optical center.
• Troubleshoot adaptation concerns.

Opticians also serve as liaisons with laboratories and suppliers to resolve technical issues efficiently. 

4. Urge Compliance and Follow-Up 

Myopia management requires ongoing monitoring-typically every six months. At these appointments, opticians should: 

• Check frame fit as children grow. A child’s facial anatomy changes quickly, so regular adjustments ensure continued optimal lens performance.
• Replace damaged or poorly fitting glasses promptly.
• Reinforce the importance of attending regular follow-up appointments. 

5. Support Contact Lens-Based Myopia Management

Many practices elect to cross-train opticians. For practices offering contact lens myopia management, opticians may: 

• Assist with training insertion and removal.
• Reinforce lens handling and care/hygiene education.
• Troubleshoot minor comfort issues.
• Reiterate adaptation and clearly explain peripheral optics/lens design.
• Review wear time and replacement schedules.
• Recognize signs of complications and communicate concerns promptly to the optometrist .

6. Encourage Lifestyle Modifications

Opticians can reinforce the following behavioral strategies to help integrate clinical advice into everyday routines:  

• Regular screen breaks (20-20-20 rule)
• Proper reading distance, posture, and lighting
• At least two hours of outdoor activity daily

7. Build Confidence

For many children, receiving a diagnosis that requires full-time wear of glasses or contact lenses is concerning or undesirable. Opticians can normalize lens wear, promote positive self-image, and create a supportive environment. Their role in building confidence in young patients beginning their treatment journey should not be underestimated.

A well-trained optician elevates the entire practice. Opticians thrive when optometrists provide structured training and clear communication. Its the optometrist’s responsibility to facilitate training and collaboration through the following strategies: 

• Utilize regular team meetings to review protocols
• Establish shared language for discussing myopia with families 
• Provide continuing education opportunities 
• Cross-train in diagnostic equipment and lens technologies 

 

Opticians are indispensable partners in modern myopia management. Their roles extend far beyond dispensing—they educate, motivate, troubleshoot and reinforce the clinical plan. When optometrists and opticians work in harmony, patients receive consistent messaging, better support, and ultimately, better outcomes. 

 

Dr. Aamena Kazmi graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2015, and she is currently an associate at Bellaire Family Eye Care, a private practice in the Houston, TX, area. She primarily manages patients in need of dry eye management, specialty contact lenses, and myopia control. In addition, Dr. Kazmi is a consultant for CooperVision.