Published in Myopia

Stop Dabbling in Myopia: How to Get Serious and See Big Results

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13 min read

Discover first steps optometrists can take to integrate myopia management into their practice for long-term growth and profitability.

Stop Dabbling in Myopia: How to Get Serious and See Big Results
Myopia is no longer just a refractive error—it’s a modern epidemic with lifelong consequences. Yet, many optometrists still hesitate to fully integrate myopia management into their clinical routines. Though protecting vision is the primary goal of ODs, for many in the profession, myopia management has remained an underutilized tool in the clinical arsenal.
Correcting refractive error with glasses or contacts is no longer enough, as now there are real-world strategies and advanced care that can be implemented immediately to optimize results, enhance patient trust, increase enrollment, and cultivate a more profitable and purpose-driven myopia practice.
In this honest and practical discussion, two key opinion leaders open up about the moment they realized they were under-treating myopia—and how that realization transformed their practices. Through trial, education, and persistence, Stephanie Lyons, OD and Caitlyn McHugh-Glab, OD built programs that are both clinically rewarding and financially sustainable.
In this article, they share firsthand experiences in building successful myopia management programs—from simplifying financial structures to streamlining parent education to prescribing with clarity and conviction.
Insights from Dr. Lyons and Dr. McHugh-Glab
Based on their years of experience as myopia specialists, Dr. Lyons and McHugh-Glab provided actionable advice on building a solid and sustainable myopia practice.

How did you develop your passion for myopia management?

Dr. Lyons: As a 6D myope myself, my passion for myopia management developed naturally. Who wouldn't want thinner lenses, reduced dependence on glasses, and healthier eyes?
From a clinical perspective, I was excited by the opportunity to proactively manage a progressive condition for which there had previously been no management options. That excitement led me to become one of the first practitioners in my area to establish a dedicated myopia management program.
Dr. McHugh-Glab: Upon graduating from optometry school, I knew I wanted to practice in a setting that offered opportunities to work with children. I worked at two private practices focusing on vision therapy and pediatric eye exams, and eventually myopia management. 
As more children presented with rapid myopic progression, I saw firsthand how vital early intervention is. Parents were increasingly concerned about their child’s screen time, increasing prescriptions, and long-term eye health.
When I purchased my own practice in 2019, I knew I wanted to focus on myopia management. Being able to offer proactive solutions for these families has been incredibly rewarding, both in improving patient outcomes and driving growth within my practice.

What was your initial strategy when implementing myopia management?

Dr. Lyons: We began with soft daily center-distance multifocal contact lenses. These were easy to integrate into practice with minimal additional training and were familiar enough that patients readily embraced them. The results were so compelling that we were quickly motivated to expand our treatment offerings.
We soon added low-dose atropine and again were impressed by how well patients’ myopia stabilized year over year. Eventually, we incorporated MiSight, an FDA-approved contact lens specifically for myopia control, which further enhanced our clinical toolkit.
At the same time, we made a deliberate decision not to offer orthokeratology. This was based on our clinical experience: we hadn’t encountered cases where orthokeratology would clearly outperform soft multifocal lenses or atropine. Additionally, as a practice with a strong emphasis on binocular vision, we had observed some negative impacts of orthokeratology on visual function, particularly related to fluctuating vision and its effect on binocular stability.

How has your myopia management program evolved?

Dr. Lyons: Today, our myopia management program includes several hundred patients. Aside from occasional issues with non-compliance, our patients are stable and thriving. Parents are deeply appreciative of the care their children receive, and new families often express frustration that myopia management was never previously presented as an option.
This has raised concerns for me about the growing gap between practices that offer myopia management and those that do not, especially as the standard of care continues to evolve.

Beyond the clinical rewards of seeing children’s myopia progression stabilize, this program has also become a key driver of practice growth.

In the post-COVID era, optometry is under financial strain: operating costs have risen while insurance reimbursements remain stagnant. Myopia management—still largely outside the bounds of insurance—gives us the opportunity to set fees that reflect the value of the care we provide.
Along with other specialty services like vision therapy, myopia management has enabled our office to grow and succeed year over year, even as many practices face increasing challenges.

Taking the lead in myopia management

Dr. McHugh-Glab: Early on, I leaned heavily on parent input when determining a treatment plan. Now, I take a more direct approach. I still educate families on all options, but I confidently prescribe the best option for the child—as the expert, it’s my role to guide that decision. 
In my practice, MiSight has become the cornerstone of my care, making it my first-line recommendation for eligible patients. It is important that I have a solution for every patient, and I offer all available options, including MiSight, orthokeratology, low-dose atropine, and alternate contact lens options (i.e., center-distance multifocal contact lenses).
I’ve also learned not to overwhelm families with too much information during the initial visit as myopia management is still a new concept to many parents. During the exam, I provide a personalized report, using tools like Ocumetra and the Brian Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) Myopia Calculator, that can be reviewed afterward.

My approach to myopia management has evolved as new research and treatment options have emerged.

I follow up with a personalized email briefly summarizing the plan, a link to their personalized report, and our program details and fees. This approach has significantly improved communication and follow-through at my practice.
Objective data has become essential in evaluating treatment efficacy. About a year into practice, I invested in Topcon Aladdin-M (now the MYAH) to monitor axial length. This has enhanced both my clinical decision-making and how I communicate progress to parents, setting my practice apart.
Lastly, I’ve simplified our pricing structure. We charge a flat myopia management fee across all treatment types, with separate fees for contact lens fittings and lens materials. This transparency has made the program easier for families (and staff) to understand and commit. My goal is to provide options, not barriers, to parents when it comes to enrolling in a myopia management program.
Therefore, it is important to provide sustainable financial options, as we know that these children will continue with myopia management well into their teens. Utilizing insurance benefits towards materials, offering manufacturer rebates, and providing sibling discounts are ways that my practice ensures that our programs are accessible yet still reflect the value of my expertise.

Keys to successful myopia management

Each of our experts condensed their years of experience into three tried and true steps to build a successful and sustainable myopia practice.
Top tips from Stephanie Lyons, OD

1. Develop a strong financial program.

This might include a global fee or a monthly payment plan for myopia management. I highly recommend bundling the cost of materials and services together to encourage patient compliance with follow-up visits.
Our practice has thrived with a monthly payment model. Patients are used to subscription-based services and are more likely to say yes when the initial financial commitment is low.

2. Prioritize regular follow-up visits.

These visits are essential not only to reinforce treatment compliance but also to allow you to closely monitor for changes and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
I strongly believe that our high success rate—possibly exceeding that seen in published studies—is due in large part to our close and consistent follow-up, which allows for timely intervention before significant progression occurs.

3. Be confident in your expertise.

As optometrists, we are uniquely trained and positioned to take the lead in managing refractive conditions like myopia. You already have the foundational knowledge of how myopia develops, the risks it poses over a lifetime, and how it affects not only vision but also long-term eye health.
Remember, you don’t need to be an expert in every treatment option right away. Start with the option you feel most confident prescribing, whether that’s soft multifocal lenses, low-dose atropine, or an FDA-approved lens like MiSight, and continue to expand your offerings as your experience grows.
Over time, you will build confidence as you see firsthand how these interventions change lives. You'll witness children who once progressed rapidly now maintaining stable prescriptions. You’ll hear the relief in parents’ voices when they realize they’ve done something proactive for their child’s future.
Actionable advice from Caitlyn McHugh-Glab, OD

1. Start simple and grow strategically.

Don’t wait until you feel like an expert in myopia management to get started. Begin with straightforward cases: young patients with low to moderate myopia and motivated families. Use tools you already have or can easily add to your current practice, such as daily disposable myopia control lenses like MiSight or low-dose atropine.
Lean on consultant support from vendors as you learn how to use and market your new tools. As your comfort grows, you’ll be better equipped to take on more complex cases and expand into orthokeratology and monitoring axial length.

2. Prescribe with confidence, not caution.

Myopia management isn’t one-size-fits-all, but it also isn’t optional, as myopia management is considered standard of care by the World Council of Optometry. Instead of simply offering options, take the lead in prescribing the best-fit solution based on each child’s age, lifestyle, and prescription.
Present your recommendation the same way you would for glasses or traditional contacts, confidently and clearly. Your confidence builds parent trust and improves treatment acceptance.

3. Equip parents with education and proof.

Success in myopia management starts with the parents. Myopia management is still a foreign concept to many families. That’s why education is just as important as treatment. Use visual tools like the BHVI Myopia Calculator or Ocumetra’s personalized reports to help parents understand their child’s risk and treatment progress.
Provide high-quality informational materials that discuss your treatment programs and what sets your office apart. Utilize resources such as the Myopia Collective for social media posts, email templates, and myopia fact sheets to help get your message across.

In closing

“This is powerful, meaningful work. You’re not just prescribing glasses, you’re preserving visual futures.” Stephanie Lyons, OD
The myopia epidemic is growing, but so is our ability to change its trajectory—one child at a time. By embracing their roles as educators, prescribers, and early interventionists, optometrists can improve visual outcomes for young patients and create a financially sustainable program.
According to Dr. Lyons, “Every patient you enroll in a myopia management program is a step toward reducing the global burden of myopia. So lean into your training, trust your clinical judgment, and don’t wait for perfection before you begin. Start now, start small if needed, but start. Your patients—and your practice—will thank you.”
Stephanie Lyons, OD
About Stephanie Lyons, OD

Stephanie Lyons, OD, is the chief optometrist and owner of Lyons Family Eye Care and Superior Optical, both based in the Chicagoland area. A graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry, she specializes in pediatric eyecare and vision therapy.

When she’s not in the exam room, you’ll find her chasing her three kids, hitting the pickleball court, planning her next trip, or diving into community projects.

Stephanie Lyons, OD
Caitlyn McHugh-Glab, OD
About Caitlyn McHugh-Glab, OD

Caitlyn McHugh-Glab, OD, graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2016 and is the owner of Focused Eye Care in Buffalo Grove, IL. She is a Myopia Collective Change Agent for Illinois and is an active member of the American Optometric Association and Illinois Optometric Association.

Caitlyn McHugh-Glab, OD
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