32: Managing Myopia – Now and for the future

Myopia can be much more than just shortsightedness. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty speaks to her friend Kathryn, who has severe myopia, to find out how the condition can cause further ocular health problems, like macular degeneration.  Two years ago on the podcast, we explored how optometrists should play an active role in myopia management using contact lenses. Listen to that episode here. Since then, more research has been published on the effectiveness of myopia management lenses and there have been further innovations of the technologies that can slow the progression of myopia. This month, Michelle catches up with Kathryn Webber, an optometrist and the clinical lead for myopia management at the University of Bradford, to understand the options better — this time focussing on spectacles. Michelle also asks Kathryn about the updated College of Optometrists guidelines, published in August 2022, about managing myopia.  Finally, we hear from Quratulain, the mother of two highly myopic children, who have been using Hoya’s MiYOSMART spectacles — and why these technologies could make a real difference. This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.