Unlock the secrets to effective myopia management with our special guest, Dr. Tom Aller, a leading figure in myopia management and ortho-keratology. Dr. Aller shares his intriguing journey from studying zoology to becoming an ortho-K patient himself, ultimately shaping his career in optometry. Listen as he candidly discusses his initial reluctance towards research, his rewarding collaborations with UC Berkeley, and his groundbreaking fixation disparity methods for controlling myopia.

Curious about atropine for pre-myopia in children? We dive deep into early intervention strategies, emphasizing how clinical observations can sometimes outpace academic guidelines. Dr. Aller discusses the compelling findings from population studies in China, which show how atropine can delay the onset of myopia. Learn how to effectively communicate the importance of early treatment to parents using tools like percentile curves and axial length measurements, and understand the broader concept of pre-myopia as defined by the International Myopia Institute.

The episode also explores various myopia management treatments, including ortho-K, multifocal contact lenses, and atropine. We stress the necessity of regular monitoring and adapting treatment plans to fit individual patient needs. Dr. Aller shares his thoughts on the potential role of laser treatments in controlling myopia progression and underscores the need for further research. Finally, discover how you can join the AAOMC to support myopia management efforts and take advantage of valuable resources such as Dr. Aller’s Excel spreadsheet and the IACMM certification courses. Don’t miss this insightful and informative conversation packed with practical advice for both practitioners and patients.