Monitoring & everyday habits
Tracking prescription changes, discussing time outdoors and supporting comfortable, balanced near-work routines.
SPECIALTY CARE / CHILDREN’S VISION
Myopia management for growing eyes.
Individualized assessments and ongoing guidance for children and families navigating nearsightedness or changes in their child’s prescription.
UNDERSTANDING MYOPIA
More than blurred distance vision.
Myopia, also called nearsightedness, makes distant objects look blurry while close-up tasks may remain clear. It often begins in childhood and can change as the eyes grow.
Corrective glasses or contact lenses help a child see clearly. Myopia management goes a step further: it involves assessing risk, monitoring changes over time, and considering strategies that may help delay onset or slow progression when appropriate.
Family history, age, patterns of eye growth and the child’s visual needs all inform a personalized discussion. No single approach is right for every child.
WHEN TO CHECK
Earlier conversations can make a difference.
Children whose prescriptions are becoming more nearsighted, who have one or more nearsighted parents, or who may be at risk of developing myopia can benefit from an eye examination and an individual risk assessment.
Current international guidance also recognizes pre-myopia: children who are not yet nearsighted but whose age, refraction and other factors suggest a higher likelihood of developing myopia. This does not mean every at-risk child needs a medical treatment; regular assessment and sensible everyday habits may be appropriate.
If your child squints at distant signs, sits close to screens, has trouble seeing the board at school or receives a noticeably stronger prescription, ask about a myopia assessment.
THE CONSULTATION
A plan built around your child.
A myopia consultation focuses on assessing a child’s nearsightedness or risk of developing it, explaining management approaches, and creating an individualized plan for the family.
An assessment may involve a discussion of eye and family history, review of previous prescriptions, a comprehensive eye examination, and additional tests where clinically indicated. Follow-up recommendations depend on the findings and rate of change.
Ask the clinic to confirm current consultation length, availability and the appropriate appointment type before booking.
EVIDENCE & RESEARCH
Care informed by ongoing research.
Dr. Stephanie Ramdass co-authored a peer-reviewed study examining pre-myopia in children across Ontario clinics. The research underscores the value of recognizing risk and considering proactive, individualized discussions with families.
Updated guidance from the International Myopia Institute also emphasizes early risk assessment, careful monitoring and treatment decisions based on each child’s circumstances.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Myopia management explained.
What is the difference between glasses and myopia management?
Regular glasses help correct blurry vision. Myopia management considers how nearsightedness may change over time and whether strategies to delay onset or slow progression could be appropriate.
Does my child need to be nearsighted already?
No. Children with risk factors may benefit from an assessment before myopia develops. Whether to monitor or discuss interventions depends on their individual findings.
Can myopia be cured or stopped?
There is no guaranteed way to stop progression completely. Some evidence-based approaches can slow progression in selected children, but results vary.
What if my child already wears glasses?
Bring their current glasses and previous prescriptions if available. Reviewing how the prescription has changed can help guide the discussion.
Are atropine or orthokeratology offered at eyecademy?
These are recognized topics in myopia-management discussions. Please contact the clinic to confirm current availability and whether they may be appropriate for your child.
How often will my child need follow-up?
Follow-up intervals depend on age, risk, examination findings and the management plan. Your optometrist will recommend an appropriate schedule.
NEXT STEPS
Start with an assessment.
Whether your child already wears glasses or you are concerned about developing nearsightedness, contact our team about the appropriate myopia consultation pathway.
Referring a child for myopia management? Use our professional referral form →