A new paper published in Optometry & Vision Science sheds light on trends and observations surrounding the current state of the orthokeratology market in the United States. The extensive range of findings from the Fitting of Orthokeratology in the United States (FOKUS) survey are now available for download here.
 
The independent research was conducted among more than 500 U.S. eyecare professionals (ECPs) who currently fit or have fit ortho-k lenses, as well as those who do not. 56 percent of respondents actively fitting orthokeratology lenses anticipate market growth within the next 12 months, and 46 percent of respondents not currently fitting orthokeratology lenses plan to start prescribing within the next two years.
 
“There is an unmet need to monitor current and future trends in the orthokeratology market,” said paper co-author Michael J. Lipson, OD, FAAO. “Its significant role for myopia management in children continues to fuel growth. This first-of-its-kind paper provides a solid baseline and highlights how ortho-k is poised to rapidly emerge across the country.”
 
There are approximately 3,000 U.S. ECPs fitting and managing ortho-k patients, according to the researchers. Among them, as determined by the survey sample, 68 percent prescribe ortho-k for myopia management and 19 percent prescribe it as an alternative to glasses or daytime contact lenses. Relative to myopia management, 53 percent of respondents reported that they measured axial length.
 
“Patient loyalty is a commonly-discussed topic among ECPs,” said paper co-author Louise Curcio, who joined CooperVision Specialty EyeCare after the paper’s completion. “As supported by the survey, orthokeratology patients typically remain in ortho-k for 7.8 years, and the preferred marketing methods are word-of-mouth referrals and in-office marketing. This presents a significant opportunity for ECPs to take a more proactive approach in prescribing orthokeratology contact lenses as a form of vision correction in children at a young age and following through high school.”
 
CooperVision Specialty EyeCare’s Paragon CRT and GP Specialists brands were noted as preferred ortho-k lenses ordered by U.S. ECPs.
 
To view the full paper and survey results, please visit Optometry & Vision Science.