Beyond Specialties

Our myopia center, situated in the heart of a bustling Philippine metropolis, is constantly busy examining and managing myopic kids. Children whose myopia exceeds 6.00D require very detailed retinal examination to determine that the retina is intact and attached.

An ophthalmologist specializing in the retina, who practices at our clinic, plays a crucial role in assisting with these particular patients. Additionally, ophthalmologists are capable of conducting examinations on children with extremely high myopia to assess for conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. They can also prescribe atropine, especially to children whose parents have a history of high myopia — wherein a myopia control strategy is proven to be more effective if combined with low doses of atropine.

These instances above underscore the potential benefits that can result from collaboration between optometrists and ophthalmologists, benefiting both professionals and, most importantly, the patients.

Our associate optometrists can very well conduct cycloplegic refraction and binocular vision assessments. However, incorporating the insights and techniques of ophthalmologists can further enhance these procedures. Indeed, when it comes to myopia patient care, the collaboration between optometrists and ophthalmologists proves that two heads are truly better than one.

Referrals, in both directions, exemplify the crossdisciplinary approach we embrace. Our myopia center often receives quite a number of pediatric referrals from ophthalmologists for orthokeratology fitting. These ophthalmologists recognize orthokeratology as an effective tool for slowing down myopic progression.

Dr. Dwight Ackermann, editor of Review of Myopia Management, noted that myopia management — long championed by optometrists, is now being embraced, too, by ophthalmologists, saying: “… pediatric ophthalmology plays a critical role in ensuring myopic children receive the highest level of care.”

He cited the Myopia Consensus Statement 2023 issued by the World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, which states that: “There is sufficient evidence to warrant the adoption of myopia prevention and control measures in clinical practice in children with progressive myopia of childhood.”

By detailing the interventions to slow the progression of myopia, the Consensus Statement demonstrates that the global pediatric ophthalmology community is more broadly embracing myopia management.

Parents have the option to see either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist for their myopic child. After all, when they realize the valuable contributions that both professionals can provide, it is the child who ultimately benefits the most.

As COVID-19 gradually fades into the horizon, the alarming rise in myopia cases shows no signs of slowing down. It is projected to affect a staggering 5 billion people, roughly half of the world's population, by 2050. This stark reality requires combined efforts, even outright collaboration, between the two main professional groups in our industry.

Needless to say, siloing and turf protection would only impede progress. So, all hands must be on deck!

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