This article was originally published in a sponsored newsletter.

After experiencing initial success with ortho-k in your patient base, you may want to differentiate your practice for myopia management. There are great ways to successfully build referrals for orthokeratology and even co-manage patients who wear ortho-k lenses.

Ophthalmology Colleagues

Ophthalmology has previously been hesitant about the approval of orthokeratology. Given the overnight wear modality and manipulation of cornea shape, there have been safety concerns. Thankfully though, with research data continuing to support the use of ortho-k and the benefits outweighing the risks, more and more ophthalmologists are warming up to the idea of recommending ortho-k to their pediatric patients. As you connect with your local MD practices, consider sharing relevant studies or other references, and be sure to demonstrate your commitment to patient well-being. For example, when I talk to ophthalmologists about ortho-k, I include comments around monitoring for corneal staining, how we ensure lenses are cleaned daily, and why ortho-k overnight wear is different from continuous wear with soft contact lenses. The idea of ortho-k is also quite different from cornea training in ophthalmology, so colleagues may need some time to endorse it. A little patience and continued education can go a long way.

Primary Care Physicians

Pediatric primary care physicians are excellent referral sources because most children will receive an auto-refraction type screening during their annual wellness visits. Pediatricians appreciate guidance on who and when to refer, such as: “Any child who has more than a half diopter of near-sightedness should be evaluated for myopia management.” While it’s nearly impossible to create a catch-all statement, guidelines will give them confidence in their referral because they know the patients they refer fit the appropriate myopia management patient base.

Optometry Neighbors

I'm grateful for the many optometric sub-specialties and the providers that pursue them. When I see a patient who would benefit from a binocular or low vision assessment, I refer that patient to the appropriate specialist. I hope I can serve their young myopes in return. Taking a page from the MD specialty networks, optometrists canwork to set up a co-management scenario in which comprehensive care is completed with the referring optometrist, and all orthokeratology services are completed with their specialty lens eyecare provider. In my experience with co-management of myopia, parents are so complimentary of their referring provider for giving their child an option to limit the progression of near-sightedness. Also, the referral of a young myope does not have to mean that the patient must exit the referring practice. Supporting our neighbors and their specialties is a great way to provide the best care to our mutual patients.
 
Orthokeratology is a wonderful addition to a comprehensive care practice. In addition to our eyecare and primary care colleagues, patients themselves can also serve as a great word-of-mouth referral network.

Happy Myopia Awareness Week!