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When asked why educating practice staff about myopia management is important, Dwight Akerman, OD, MBA, FAAO, Dipl. AAO, FBCLA, FIACLE, global ambassador for the International Myopia Institute, says, “Practices that institutionalize continuous education are better positioned to deliver consistent and effective care.”
While this is true for all aspects of optometry, it is particularly appropriate when incorporating myopia management into a practice. New information, products, and protocols proliferate on a seemingly daily basis today. “Ongoing staff training should reflect the evolving evidence base and emerging technologies in myopia management,” Dr. Akerman adds, referring to the expanding base of information on the topic.
Another leader in the field reinforces the fact that information on the topic is consistently evolving. “Myopia management is still an emerging and dynamic specialty. One has to be comfortable learning and applying new things while understanding those things will change. Constantly,” says Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD, of Bright Eyes Family Vision Care and Bright Eyes Kids in Tampa.
Not only is that expanding information available to eye care professionals, but its global exposure throughout consumer media means that your patients and, more specifically, their parents, will also have access to it. Thus, it’s increasingly essential that the practice staff be informed and ready to be a myopia expert.
Myopia Educational Resources
As with any educational endeavor, it’s necessary to go beyond simply discussing and dive right in and start learning. Here, we share a lineup of resources designed to educate both doctor and staff about myopia management.
“Myopia management is still an emerging and dynamic specialty. One has to be comfortable learning and applying new things while understanding those things will change. Constantly.”
Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
>> Myopia Online Resources
The Myopia Management Navigator is an evidence-based guide that covers the three M’s of Myopia: Mitigation, Measurement, and Management.
The International Myopia Institute has been publishing and posting White Papers and Clinical Summaries of the most up-to-date research on myopia management for years.
The Brien Holden Vision Institute (BVHI) Myopia Guidelines incorporate the latest evidence-based knowledge to remind practitioners of the different stages of assessment and treatment of patients with myopia.
In addition to extensive articles, podcasts, and newsletters, Myopia Profile offers a series of one-hour Myopia Management Made Simple courses designed to provide the core knowledge to be comfortable in starting myopia management in a clinical practice. Advanced courses are available to build upon existing myopia management knowledge and experience. Also, comprehensive training courses are “boot-camp” style to lead the care team through phased leaning pathways, including video demonstrations and downloadable reference information.
EssilorLuxottica’s Leonardo educational hub features content dedicated exclusively to myopia management.
Johnson & Johnson’s myopia management resource page answers frequently asked questions about managing myopia.
VTI’s Myopia Patient page includes myopia treatment options and tips to slow progression.
ART Optical offers free specialty lens training programs (either virtual or in-person) for practitioners, including programs on orthokeratology.
Ocumetra’s Myopedia has extensive links to scientific articles on a variety of topics related to myopia management.
SightGlass Vision’s resources for eye care professionals includes a downloadable white paper describing the diffusion optics technology behind its myopia control lenses.
Topcon Healthcare’s Myopia123 provides access to essential knowledge, practical tools, and effective strategies to streamline myopia management and enhance practice success.
Tips for fitting orthokeratology lenses are among the presentations on X-Cel Specialty Contacts video page.
“A well-informed team enhances consistency in messaging and strengthens the overall patient experience.”
Dwight Akerman, OD, MBA, FAAO, Dipl. AAO, FBCLA, FIACLE
>> Myopia Live Events
The American Academy of Optometry will hold the 2026 Myopia Summit on June 27, 2026, in St. Louis. Among the Continuing Education topics will be: The New Era of the Evidence-Based Myopia Control Interventions and Making Myopia Management Practical: Clinical Practice & Patient Management.
Vision By Design 2026: Advancing Excellence in Myopia Management & Orthokeratology will be sponsored by The American Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control in Cleveland, Oct. 21-24, 2026.
The International Myopia Conference will be held March 6-10, 2027, in Houston. It will feature cutting-edge research from leading myopia experts, the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops and panel discussions, and networking opportunities. (Researchers can submit abstracts for presentation consideration until September 1, 2026.)
“Comprehensive staff education is essential to operationalizing myopia management as a standard of care rather than a physician-dependent service,” says Dr. Akerman. “A well-informed team enhances consistency in messaging and strengthens the overall patient experience.”
COMING NEXT MONTH: Stay tuned for Step 4 of Insight Media’s Myopia Masterclass Series: Inform Parents and Patients. How do you educate the patients and parents about the long-term risks of untreated myopia—and the various treatment options that are available?
VIEW all of the Myopia Masterclass series features HERE.
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