Myopia Control & Orthokeratology at Mark Hinds Optometrists
Why We Have Been Fitting Ortho-K Since 2003
At Mark Hinds Optometrists, we have been fitting Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses since 2003 because we believe proactive myopia management matters.
In 2026, myopia control is no longer simply about reducing dependence on glasses — it is about protecting long-term eye health.
As myopia progresses, the eye becomes longer. Increased axial length is associated with a significantly higher lifetime risk of:
- Retinal detachment
- Myopic maculopathy and retinal degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
- Earlier vision impairment later in life
The goal of modern myopia management is to slow this progression as early and as safely as possible.
Why Ortho-K?
Orthokeratology remains one of the most evidence-based and effective non-surgical treatments available for myopia control in children and teenagers.
Ortho-K uses custom-designed overnight contact lenses to gently reshape the front surface of the eye while sleeping. The lenses are removed each morning, allowing clear daytime vision without glasses or contact lenses.
Importantly, Ortho-K does more than temporarily correct vision — it also changes the way light focuses in the peripheral retina, helping reduce the stimulus for further eye growth and myopia progression.
Clinical studies continue to demonstrate meaningful reductions in myopia progression and axial elongation in suitable patients.
Advanced Myopia Management in 2026
Modern myopia care is now highly personalised.
At our clinic, every child has a unique myopia risk profile assessed based on:
- Age of onset
- Family history
- Rate of progression
- Axial length measurements
- Environmental and lifestyle factors
- Visual demands and screen time
We then tailor a management plan which may include:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
- Low-dose atropine therapy
- Lifestyle and outdoor activity recommendations
- Ongoing axial length monitoring
- Specialty spectacle lens options when appropriate
Advanced Technology Matters
At Mark Hinds Optometrists, we use advanced diagnostic technology to monitor myopia progression with exceptional precision.
This includes:
- Pentacam Wave + AXL
- Corvis ST
- Optical biometry and axial length measurement systems
- Corneal topography and tomography
These technologies allow us to:
- Monitor axial eye growth
- Assess corneal health and suitability for Ortho-K
- Detect subtle corneal changes early
- Optimise lens design and treatment outcomes
- Track long-term progression accurately
Why Early Intervention Is Important
The younger myopia begins, the greater the likelihood of developing high myopia later in life.
This is why early intervention is critical.
Research suggests myopia progression is influenced by both:
Genetics
- Family history of short-sightedness
Environmental factors
- Increased near work and screen time
- Reduced outdoor activity
- Lighting and visual posture habits
Our role is to help families understand these risks and implement practical strategies to reduce progression wherever possible.
Experienced Specialty Contact Lens Care
Our clinic has more than two decades of experience fitting complex orthokeratology and specialty contact lenses.
We understand that every patient is different, and successful Ortho-K treatment requires:
- Careful patient selection
- Detailed corneal analysis
- Custom lens design
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up
Our experienced optometrists and specialty contact lens team work closely with families to ensure treatment is safe, effective, and individually tailored.
The Future of Myopia Care
Myopia prevalence is increasing rapidly worldwide, particularly in younger generations.
At Mark Hinds Optometrists, we remain committed to evidence-based, technology-driven myopia management to help protect the long-term vision and ocular health of our patients.
If you would like to explore whether Orthokeratology or other myopia control options are suitable for your child, our team would be happy to help.
In short, the factors for myopia progression appear to be: Genetics – Environment (near work volume, illumination and posture) – Sunlight / Outdoor activity – Diet. So we can then work on the modifiable ones in conjunction with what we know about ortho-k and myopia progression. For a really good time on the internet further searching should include the words “peripheral hyperopic defocus”. That should help put you to sleep? Our recommendation is to look at the links at the bottom of the page and have an educated opinion and if you agree with us and the scientific research that is available we will support you in your decision as best we can.
See our awesome blogs on myopia:
or the link:
The following clips are for cleaning your ortho-K RGP contact lenses. The first one is for Biotrue Solutions and the second one is for Boston Solutions.
Cleaning your OK lenses with BIOTRUE solution
Cleaning your ortho-K lenses with BOSTON solutions
For external evidence based medicine and research behind orthokeratology:
http://www.myopiaprevention.org/references_orthokeratology.html
Before we get excited about myopia prevention, myopia control and risk factors it may be useful to understand why myopia progresses:
http://www.myopiaprevention.org/references_peripheral_defocus.html
For our downloadable pdf, click the link below: