Ortho-k prescribing for overnight vision correction and myopia control rose by 18% in the past year, says the leading UK provider, No7 Contact Lenses.

With its EyeDream lenses, the Hastings-based company had a year of intensive online and consumer focused marketing.  Supporting this have been regular educational events on myopia control for the profession, attended by optometrists and CLOs from around the UK.

With many independents investing in a topographer and gearing up to provide Ortho-k, longstanding prescribers of the modality have also seen a greater uptake from their patient-base.

“Our intensive marketing – with the online campaigns – are showing a direct correlation with uptake in specific areas of the country.  The myopia control message is one that many practitioners and parents feel they can no longer ignore, with many believing they have a duty of care to inform patients about the benefits that can come from Ortho-k,” said Danny Pepper, No7 Sales and Marketing Manager.

It is not just myopia control which is driving the uptake, but also adults who lead active, sporty, lifestyles and who want to be free of their specs and lenses during the day.  Dry eye patients are also a target for many practices who find the modality is highly successful for those who cannot wear conventional lenses for more than a few hours a day.

Similar increases in prescribing are expected in 2018 as the Ortho-k message filters through and as some higher profile sporting youngsters gain Press exposure across the UK.