Optometry Australia (OA) has highlighted the critical role of optometrists, and the importance of evidence-based practices, in a comprehensive position statement on myopia management. The position statement supports the World Council of Optometry Standards of Care Guidelines for Myopia Management (2021). OA’s position statement includes strategies for risk assessment, preventative counselling and early identification of myopia, as well as strategies for proactive treatment to slow myopia progression.
With its prevalence projected to affect 50% of the world’s population and 20 million Australians by 2050,1 myopia is described as a global public health concern.
“Myopia is associated with several severe ocular pathologies, including retinal detachment, maculopathy, glaucoma and cataracts,” said . Even low to moderate levels of myopia can significantly increase the risk of visual impairment later in life. The connection between myopia and these serious conditions emphasises the importance of proactive management and prevention strategies,” said Luke Arundel, Optometry Australia’s Chief Clinical Officer.
By integrating comprehensive eye health assessments with proactive myopia management strategies, optometrists can significantly contribute to reducing the burden of myopia on individuals and the broader community
Key Recommendations
1. Optometry Australia supports a significant shift in clinical practice from merely correcting vision to employing strategies that slow myopia progression.
‘This approach includes educating patients on ways to mitigate the development of myopia and discussing evidence-based management options. By focussing on slowing myopia progression, optometrists can help reduce the risk of sight-threatening complications of myopia.’
2. Optometry Australia strongly encourages practitioners to provide regular comprehensive eye health and vision examinations to identify patients with myopia, at risk of myopia development, or with myopia-associated ocular pathology.
‘These examinations should encompass the measurement of refractive error, and ocular biometry whenever feasible, and include dilated fundus examination where appropriate. A thorough examination ensures a detailed understanding of the patient’s eye health, allowing for the early detection and management of potential issues.’
3. In addition to comprehensive examinations, optometrists should also focus on assessing myopia risk and offering preventive counselling.
‘This involves evaluating factors that may increase the likelihood of developing myopia and advising patients and their caregivers on strategies to delay myopia onset. Preventive counselling is crucial for mitigating the long-term impact of myopia.’
4. Upon diagnosing myopia in children, it is imperative that optometrists offer treatment options grounded in the latest research.
‘Treatments should aim to manage the progression of myopia effectively. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor myopia progression and adjust the treatment plan as necessary, ensuring optimal care and outcomes.’
5. Optometry Australia’s position statement aims to equip optometrists with the latest knowledge and practices to combat the rising myopia epidemic.
‘By integrating comprehensive eye health assessments with proactive myopia management strategies, optometrists can significantly contribute to reducing the burden of myopia on individuals and the broader community.’
The full position statement can be found here.
