Page 14 - Envision November-December 2020

Special Report

/ Image provided by CooperVision /
population) from countries with a high “it’s great to work with a supplier like
prevalence of myopia, including those in CooperVision who innovates in marketing
East Asia and Europe, is contributing to in order to drive growth for our clinic. The
“ With remote schooling causes include more screen time for program is a significant addition to the
increased incidence of the disease. Other Brilliant Futures Myopia Management
children and less time spent on outdoor services we offer our patients.” ECPs
due to the pandemic,
play and exercise.
qualify to participate in the Brilliant
Rocky was having The research concluded that myopia Futures program through online
certification training, after which they can
considerably more prevalence in Canada increased from receive fit sets and patient starter kits.
6 per cent at ages 6–8 to 29 per cent at
screen time and we ages 11–13. Of further concern to the The Brilliant Futures direct-to-consumer
noticed him blinking a lot. researchers is the fact that myopia onset campaign is headlined by well-known
has shifted to younger age groups. Not only
television star Sarah Michelle Gellar, who
Initially, we thought it was is myopia more prevalent, but the risks interviewed with Envision: seeing beyond
only normal fatigue, for developing future vision problems magazine. Gellar and her husband, actor
stemming from myopia are now
Freddie Prinze Jr., are both nearsighted
but a visit to the well-known. Toronto-based optometrist, and recently discovered that their son,
Shirley Ha, says: “There is definitely a rise in
optometrist gave us the myopia. As a developmental “functional” Rocky James, is also myopic.
“ physical activities, and increased anxiety. due to the pandemic, Rocky was having
diagnosis. optometrist, I think it is most likely due to Gellar explains: “With remote schooling
increased use of digital devices, decreased
considerably more screen time and we
Since function alters structure, the rising
rates of myopia will increase the risk of noticed him blinking a lot. Initially, we
thought it was only normal fatigue, but
retinal detachment, cataract, glaucoma, a visit to the optometrist gave us the
/ Sarah Michelle Gellar / and other problems later in life. Hence, diagnosis.” Rocky, who is eight, was
the global effort to reduce myopia, unhappy about needing eyeglasses.
because the long-term health care costs “When the doctor told us there was an
are estimated to be quite high by 2050.”
option for Rocky to wear daily contact
A new standard of care for children with lenses that would slow the progression of
myopia is in order, and the Brilliant myopia, we were all thrilled,” says Gellar.
Futures Myopia Management Program Rocky was wearing eyeglasses at the time
seeks to help with that by supporting of our interview, awaiting an appointment
patient and parent compliance and to see if he is a good candidate for the
satisfaction, along with clinical outcomes lenses.
that engender long-term loyalty. Using
MiSight 1 day daily disposable contact Gellar became an ambassador for the
lenses as an anchor, the program includes Brilliant Futures Myopia Management
access to a dedicated myopia specialist, Program to help make other parents aware
free product shipping—including to of the importance of regular eye exams
patients’ homes, an easy return policy for their children. “For me, it is about
and a online portal to educate and help education. If I can relieve their worries
patients stay compliant. about the effects of myopia and let them
know that there are options that can
Dr. Nathalie Trottier, of Center Visuel actually slow the progression, I will be
E
Optika in Pointe Claire, Quebec, says, happy to have made a contribution.” n

14 / NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 / www.ENVISIONMAGAZINE.ca /