STAY TUNED FOR... OSO CONFERENCE GOLD COAST 2023

A Orthokeratology Society of Oceania member and contact lens expert; Mark Hinds recently delivered a fantastic myopia (short-sightedness) control and Orthokeratology lecture at the Australian Vision Convention (AVC).

As noted by the World Health Organisation (2015) there is an alarming increase in the prevalence of myopia and high myopia, which significantly increases the risks of vision loss from associated conditions including glaucoma, damage to the retina (the layer at the back of the eye), cataract, myopia-related macula changes and more (1). Similar to treating high systolic blood pressure for increased risk of stroke, Mark discussed the increased odds ratio risk of eye conditions with higher levels of myopia. Mark discussed the importance that optometrists offer progressing myopic children/adolescents the options to slow progression, including that of Orthokeratology lenses.

Orthokeratology, also knows as Orthok lenses have the lifestyle benefit of wearing no correction (no contact lenses or glasses) during the day, as well as research showing their role in slowing myopia progression. (1) To learn more and find your local optometrist that fits Orthokeratology lenses head to https://www.oso.net.au/where-do-i-get-it

Thank you Mark for sharing your knowledge and experience at AVC to increase awareness and knowledge of the myopia epidemic and the options available to optometrists and the public in protecting their eye health.

(1) WHO (2015). The impact of Myopia and High Myopia. http://www.who.int/blindness/causes/MyopiaReportforWeb.pdf

-Natalie Buckman, OSO Guest Board Member