The UK sits at a mid-point between European and East Asian prevalence rates, with rapidly increasing rates in urban areas and among children with longer screen exposure and less outdoor time. NHS funding for myopia management remains limited, creating a private practice opportunity.
The College of Optometrists 2024 report estimated approximately 50% of UK adults aged 16–24 are myopic, up from approximately 33% in the 1990s. UK Biobank genetic and phenotype data (Tedja et al. 2021) provides the most genetically-characterised myopia cohort globally, enabling genome-wide association studies. Urban children in London and major cities show higher rates, particularly in children of East Asian and South Asian heritage.
NHS optometry covers routine sight tests and glasses for children, but myopia control treatments — orthokeratology, MiSight, MiyoSmart, and atropine — are private services not covered by NHS. This means access depends heavily on parental awareness and income. College of Optometrists guidance supports myopia management as a standard of care, but NHS commissioning has not followed.
MiSight is available and widely prescribed in UK private practice. MiyoSmart DIMS lenses are available and popular as they require no contact lens handling. Orthokeratology is available at specialist practices. Low-dose atropine (0.01% or compounded concentrations) is available through specialist optometrists and ophthalmologists. Stellest® became available in the UK in 2022.
Cardiff University has produced significant orthokeratology and dual-focus lens research. Aston University's Optometry School has contributed to atropine and DIMS evidence. The Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI), though headquartered in Sydney, has UK research partnerships, particularly for epidemiological modelling.
College of Optometrists published myopia management clinical guidance in 2023 recommending axial length measurement, treatment at progression thresholds, and follow-up every 6 months. IMI 2025 alignment is expected in 2026 guidance update.
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College of Optometrists UK. Myopia Management Guidance 2023 · UK Biobank / Tedja MS et al. Nature Genetics. 2018 · Brien Holden Vision Institute Global Myopia Prevalence Model · IMI 2025 Digest