An interactive myopia masterclass will provide optometrists with evidence based clinical skills that can be used in practice to better manage young patients with myopia.
Myopia is a potentially sight threatening condition with increasing global prevalence. According to Holden et al., in the year 2000 22.9 per cent of the world population lived with myopia and 2.7 per cent with high myopia. By 2050, those statistics are expected to rise to 49.8 per cent and 9.8 per cent respectively.1
The two-day masterclass, organised by the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at University of Melbourne, will be led by Dr. Laura Downie, and facilitated by experienced researchers and clinicians.
Dr. Downie said the class aimed to provide optometrists with evidence based skills to take back to practice relating to the management of myopia in children.
We know that myopia can have serious ocular complications
“Understanding how to analyse research evidence and use it in practice can be a challenge for several reasons, including the volume of literature and that the evidence can change over time.
“We know that myopia can have serious ocular complications and can lead to significant visual impairment. There is a growing evidence base for a range of interventions that can potentially modulate myopia progression in children. Having the capacity to attenuate myopic progression could significantly reduce the associated ocular health risks, and thereby reduce the impact of myopia on public health at a broader level.”
She said the masterclass would comprise a combination of didactic lecturing and interactive collaborative case study based activities, as well as a practical hands-on workshop focussing on the fundamentals of orthokeratology contact lens fitting.
“The masterclass is aimed at optometrists who are interested in developing their expertise in orthokeratology; no prior fitting knowledge is required. While there may be other opportunities to learn about the principles of ortho-k, this half-day workshop will be hands-on. Participants will evaluate lens fittings, interpret corneal topography and have the opportunity to fit ortho-k lenses on colleagues, all with an experienced mentor to guide them.”
Dr. Downie said other aspects of the masterclass will include prevalence and the public health and economic implications of myopia; details about specific ocular complications, particularly as related to high myopia; and an evidence based approach to diagnosing and managing myopia, covering a variety of management options, including spectacles, contact lenses and pharmaceutical agents.
“We will also have a session on how to discuss myopia management with adult care givers, enabling them to make an evidence based, educated choice about myopia management for the children in their care,” added Dr. Downie.
The masterclass will take place on 17–18 June at the University of Melbourne Parkville Campus. Up to 36 CPD points (18 of these being therapeutic) are available upon successful completion of the short course. For details contact Kathy Griffiths, email [email protected] or phone (AUS) 03 8344 2601.