Consistent Myopia Education Allows Me to Provide High Quality Care to Patients

Prior to opening my practice, my introduction to myopia management began through attending lectures, symposia, and educational events focused on pediatrics. The frustration of working in practices without myopia management options intensified, particularly witnessing myopic kids returning with substantially increased prescriptions. 

Upon launching Dussan Eye Care, even amid the challenges posed by the global pandemic, my patient focus shifted mainly to adults, as many parents hesitated to bring their kids in for non-emergency visits. Witnessing the prevalence of high myopia and associated issues among adults in my community prompted a deeper exploration into their children’s refractive errors.

Conversations with parents revealed a common thread, indicating a growing trend of myopia in their children. Eager to foster a broader understanding of myopia, discussions with parents emphasized the health implications beyond correcting lenses. The decision to incorporate myopia management treatments gained further conviction as I observed the high prevalence of myopia and associated comorbidities among the substantial Asian population in my community. Recognizing the potential impact on future generations, engaging in conversations with adult patients sparked profound contemplation. This motivation to provide a broader understanding of myopia became a catalyst for integrating myopia management into my practice, driven by the commitment to address immediate vision needs and safeguard the ocular health of future generations.

Prioritizing Education Before Jumping In
In integrating myopia management treatments into my practice, I took a proactive approach by acquiring knowledge of diverse treatment options and corresponding guidelines. Before establishing my practice, I familiarized myself with various approaches and procedures. I am committed to continuing education through reputable sources such as scientific journals, conferences, and accredited courses to ensure ongoing proficiency. These educational outlets have been pivotal in delivering effective myopia management services. Additionally, attending seminars, workshops, and seeking mentorship from experienced practitioners have been valuable supplements to my educational journey. Staying well informed and continuously educating ourselves is paramount to providing optimal patient care.

Some of the resources I’ve used include: 

• Review of Myopia Management: A comprehensive source of clinical, practice management, market, and research information on myopia.
• American Academy of Optometry: Podcasts on myopia management.
• Brien Holden Vision Institute: A global vision research organization that focuses on myopia and provides valuable insights and resources.
• GP Lens Institute (GPLI): A non-profit dedicated to providing ECPs with educational and practice-building resources for fitting GP lenses.
• International Myopia Institute: White papers and guidelines on myopia management, offering evidence-based information.
• MyopiaControlAwareness.org: Information on myopia control, including a directory of practitioners.
• PubMed and Research Databases: Search for scientific articles and research papers on myopia management on platforms such as PubMed.
• Professional Conferences and Symposia: Attend or explore materials from conferences focused on myopia management. 

Regularly attending conferences, workshops, and seminars allows me to engage with experts and stay informed about cutting-edge developments. Subscribing to reputable medical journals and publications ensures that I receive timely updates on new studies and evidence-based practices. Additionally, participating in online forums and professional communities allows for the exchange of insights and discussions with colleagues, further enriching my knowledge. Continuing education and collaboration with fellow practitioners are integral to my commitment to providing the most current and effective myopia management strategies for my patients.

Communicating with Patients and Parents
In my practice, when I encounter a child with myopia, I offer a concise explanation of myopia management. I provide parents with educational resources and suggest they read further about it. If their interest is piqued and they have questions, I recommend setting up an appointment specifically for a myopia management consultation. This approach allows parents to carefully explore the information at their convenience, while it ensures that those genuinely interested can pursue a more detailed discussion — specifically when it aligns to their schedule and priorities.

Dr. Dussan has been able to dive headfirst into myopia management after opening her own practice.

I always prioritize clear and open communication in my approach to informing parents about myopia management. I begin discussions by explaining the nature of myopia, the potential eye health risks associated with its progression, and the available management options. Visual aids, including charts, diagrams, and educational videos, are critical in enhancing understanding for both parents and patients. Real-life case examples and success stories are shared to illustrate the positive impact of myopia management. These resources are crafted to empower parents with knowledge regarding the condition and emphasize the importance of proactive management. Throughout our discussions, I actively encourage questions and engage in one-on-one conversations to address individual concerns. 

However, while most parents respond positively to this approach, I’ve encountered instances where some express skepticism or reluctance towards myopia management. In such cases, I ensure that parents have access to the information to explore further, and I am also open to them seeking additional opinions and/or options, even if that means suggesting outside specialists in myopia. Most parents appreciate these discussions’ transparent and collaborative nature, expressing gratitude for the clarity provided. Recognizing that each family is unique, I tailor my communication to suit their needs, fostering a supportive environment for decision-making.

Addressing the financial aspect of myopia management also presents a unique challenge. Convincing parents to perceive the treatment as an investment in their children’s eye health rather than a financial burden is a hurdle. To alleviate this stressful topic, my office staff is trained to explain our payment plans. This helps to ease the financial strain and provides parents with a sense of relief while ensuring their children receive effective and timely myopia treatment.

Simplifying technical language and avoiding medical jargon has also proven effective when talking to patients and their parents about myopia management. I’ve found that presenting too much information at once can be overwhelming, therefore, I ensure a balanced and gradual approach. For instance, maintaining a patient-centered, empathetic, and informative dialogue has been beneficial in facilitating understanding and promoting active participation in myopia management decisions.

Looking to the Future
The field of myopia management is rapidly advancing, and there are promising treatments being developed. Some of these treatments include novel designs for spectacle lenses and contact lenses, new pharmaceuticals that target specific features of myopia progression, gene therapy, and repeated low-level red light therapy approaches.

Additionally, there is a growing focus on the use of environmental and lifestyle modifications, such as outdoor activities and reduced near-work time, to help prevent the development and slow the progression of myopia in children. Overall, it is exciting to see the advancements being made in myopia management and how they can significantly improve the quality of life of those affected by myopia.

Dr. Angela Dussan was born and raised in Colombia where she earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from La Salle University. In 2010, she obtained her Doctorate degree from the New England College of Optometry. This included training with the Veteran’s Administration hospital system, as well as community health clinics, with an emphasis in ocular disease. She currently provides extensive eye examinations for adults and children, and she fits standard and specialty contact lenses. Through her customized approach to contact lens fitting, Dr. Dussan is able to offer patients enhanced comfort and clarity of vision. Her philosophy is simple: every patient is treated as if they were family, with compassion and respect. To contact her, email: hola@dussaneyecare.com