FOKUS Survey Explores High Growth Potential for Current and Prospective
Ortho-K Contact Lens Fitters
SAN RAMON, Calif., August 11, 2022—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. eye care professionals (ECPs) who currently fit or have fit ortho-k lenses, as well as those who do not. 56% of respondents actively fitting orthokeratology lenses anticipate market growth within the next 12 months, and 46% 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. Among them, as determined by the survey sample, 68% prescribe ortho-k for myopia management and 19% prescribe as an alternative to glasses or daytime contact lenses. Relative to myopia management, 53% 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.
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About CooperVision
CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (NYSE:COO), is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of contact lenses. The company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week, and monthly soft contact lenses that feature advanced materials and optics, and premium rigid gas permeable lenses for orthokeratology and scleral designs. CooperVision has a strong heritage of addressing the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia, childhood myopia, and highly irregular corneas; and offers the most complete portfolio of spherical, toric, and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com.
About CooperCompanies
CooperCompanies ("Cooper") is a global medical device company publicly traded on the NYSE (NYSE:COO). Cooper operates through two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision brings a refreshing perspective on vision care with a commitment to developing a wide range of high-quality products for contact lens wearers and providing focused practitioner support. CooperSurgical is committed to advancing the health of women, babies, and families with its diversified portfolio of products and services focusing on medical devices and fertility & genomics. Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., Cooper has a workforce of more than 12,000 with products sold in over 100 countries. For more information, please visit www.coopercos.com.
Media Contact:
Maggie Munley, Counselor, McDougall Communications for CooperVision
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