In preparation for GPLIwire2017, i've gotten a crash-course in myopia control over the past few months.

Three things surprised me:

1. The improved efficacy of the various strategies (pharmacological, specialty lens, etc.)
2. The remuneration for the service (high -- even in 2017)
3. ... And the kicker -- that so many ODs refer this service out!

In fact, so many turf these cases out that we've seen free-standing, independent "myopia control centers" spring up in many communities throughout the country in the past couple of years. This to me is madness.

Myopia control is within the scope of virtually every OD trained in the past 30 years.

The pharmacologic principles are pretty straightforward.

The specialty lenses used -- with some additional training -- should be in the wheelhouse of anyone who has fit RGPs.

There is nothing exotic here. I am convinced with some effort, most folks could build this into their practices.

So my question to everyone here: why aren't more people making this part of their practices?

ODwire.org members can discuss this topic here.

Large chain America's Best has been floating a patient offer:

For $99 you get three years worth of free examinations up to two per year, 10% discount on eyeglasses and a 10% discount on Contacts which can be obtained for as low as $13.99 a box.

Like most discount programs, this is an effort to promote patient lock-in, but what does the offer actually provide?

Does this entitle the patient to medical care?
On the provider side, are ODs compensated for each visit?
Do the economics pan out?

Site members can read more about the offer, and discuss the economics of such a program.

Have you experienced the frustration of toric multifocal lenses that don’t adequately solve the unique optical challenges of your astigmatic presbyopic patients?

Maybe a minus distance over-refraction improved distance vision but ruined the crisp near vision your patient loved, or perhaps you increased add power to improve the patient’s near vision but caused distance vision to suffer.

These struggles can make toric multifocal contact lens fittings painful and time-consuming, leading you to question whether the technology even works and worry about your ability to deliver what you’ve promised: functional vision at all ranges. Does this resonate with you?

In this ODwire.org Webinar, Dr. Doug Becherer explains why these struggles may be happening and how the SpecialEyes 54 Multifocal Toric, a unique pupil-optimized lens with customizable optics, can be a solution for you and your patients.

Click here to visit the discussion thread & interact with Dr. Becherer & ODwire.org members.