A new factsheet and consent form developed by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) in partnership with CooperVision will help eye care professionals to better manage children with myopia.
These freely available resources aim to simplify the condition and dispel myths around what it means for patients, reassuring families of the methods used to manage myopia and to slow its progression.
The factsheet addresses five key questions parents are likely to have:
- What is myopia?
- Will my child’s myopia get worse?
- What is myopia management?
- Why has my ECP advised myopia management?
- What options are there for myopia management?
It answers these five points and outlines the results of research showing that myopia is on the increase across the globe. Children are becoming myopic at a younger age and the level of their myopia is getting worse.
Different myopia management interventions are discussed, including soft contact lenses (dual-focus and multifocal options), orthokeratology, spectacle lenses and the latest information on atropine eye drops which are currently not indicated for the purposes of myopia management.
Luke Stevens-Burt, Chief Executive of the BCLA, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with CooperVision to produce this essential guide to myopia management for both parents and eye care professionals.
“The CooperVision team have supported development of this together with independent expert clinical insight and we have no doubt this factsheet and consent form will prove invaluable as increasing numbers of eye care professionals embrace the benefits of myopia management techniques in everyday practice. Both resources also compliment the BCLA’s popular myopia management certificate, which is designed to inform and educate eye care professionals on this important topic.”
The consent form has been specifically created for ECPs to use with their patients in practice and consists of eight ‘tick box’ style statements outlining the aim of the treatment pathway, any associated risks or limitations, and the likely need for further appointments or consultations.
Krupa Patel, Senior <anager for myopia management in CooperVision’s European professional services team, added: “In the last few years we have seen myopia management adopted by an ever-increasing number of eye care professionals and it is vital that as a profession we are giving out clear and consistent messaging to patients.
“This factsheet and consent form will allow a uniform approach, ensuring patients are well-informed and fully understand the benefits of this treatment pathway. We are delighted to have worked with the BCLA to produce these documents and hope they will prove a useful resource for years to come.”
For more information on myopia management, visit www.bcla.org.uk or www.coopervision.co.uk/practitioner for further resources and education.
