Not all eye care is created equal — especially when it comes to myopia treatment in children. As myopia becomes more prevalent and aggressive, many parents are asking:
Should I bring my child to a myopia control centre or just visit a regular eye clinic?
Here’s how they compare.
1. Focus & Expertise
Eye Clinics: Offer general eye exams, mostly for prescriptions and eyewear. They may lack dedicated myopia specialists.
Myopia Control Centres: Specialise in myopia management, with trained orthoptists and optometrists who focus on slowing or halting progression.
2. Technology & Monitoring Tools
Eye Clinics: May use basic tools for vision screening, often without axial length measurement.
Myopia Control Centres: Use advanced tools like Lenstar and AI-powered EyeSuite software to:
- Predict myopia progression
- Measure axial length changes
- Adjust treatment plans precisely
3. Range of Treatments Offered
Eye Clinics: Primarily offer glasses and sometimes contact lenses.
Myopia Control Centres: Provide evidence-based treatments like:
- Atropine 0.01% eye drops
- Ortho-K (overnight reshaping lenses)
- Myopia control glasses and soft contacts
- Red light therapy
- Lifestyle and behavioural counselling
4. Follow-up and Personalisation
Eye Clinics: Follow-ups tend to be simple and schedule-based.
Myopia Control Centres: Use a customised care plan with regular data tracking to adjust treatments based on how your child is responding.
5. Environment and Experience
Eye Clinics: Clinical and often adult-focused.
Myopia Control Centres: Built around kids — calming, colourful, and educational. Staff are trained to engage young patients confidently.
Why This Matters
Early, accurate myopia management can significantly reduce your child’s risk of serious vision problems later in life. Choosing a centre with the right tools and focus makes all the difference.
FAQ
Q: Can’t my regular optometrist handle my child’s myopia?
A: They can prescribe glasses, but for progression control, a myopia centre offers specialist tools and strategies.
Q: What if my child doesn’t need treatment yet?
A: That’s even better — a specialist can help monitor and advise on prevention early on.
Q: Is a myopia control centre more expensive?
A: While treatment packages may vary, the long-term value of slowing myopia progression can reduce future healthcare costs.
Choose proactive care. Visit our Myopia Control Centre at Optimax and protect your child’s future vision.
