The CEO tackling the silent global myopia surge

Successful leaders are able to spot potential problems before they turn into full-blown crises. They stay ahead of the curve by paying attention to early warning signs, thinking strategically about the risks, and take action before things spiral out of control. It’s not just about reacting quickly—it’s about having the foresight to prevent issues before they even happen.

While the world was fixated on the COVID-19 pandemic, another crisis was unfolding—one that remained largely unrecognized until much later. Myopia, or short-sightedness, surged among children and teenagers worldwide as lockdowns forced them indoors, limiting their exposure to natural daylight and increasing their reliance on screens for education and entertainment.

As a parent, I saw this firsthand. My children, like so many others, were confined to their homes, their daily lives revolving around Zoom classes, online chess, virtual yoga, and digital art tutorials. The lack of outdoor play and the constant screen exposure had a profound impact on their eyesight. Given that both my partner and I have lived with myopia all our lives—my partner still blindly searches for his glasses every morning, while I opted for laser surgery—I didn’t want this for my children.

Determined to find a solution, I began researching emerging treatments for myopia control. That’s when I discovered The Eye Place, founded and led by Alex Kemp.

Ortho-K: A game changer for myopia control 

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a groundbreaking non-surgical treatment that uses specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. By morning, the wearer wakes up with clear vision—without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. Even more importantly, consistent use of Ortho-K lenses can slow down the progression of myopia, particularly in children and teenagers.

For active kids who play sports, Ortho-K offers an additional advantage—there’s no need to worry about glasses falling off or the hassle of daily contact lenses. Think of it as braces for the eyes, temporarily correcting vision while also preventing myopia from worsening.

The rise of myopia —and the science behind ortho-k 

Myopia is a growing concern, with nearly one-quarter of the world’s population affected. While Ortho-K technology has existed since the 1940s, it wasn’t until the 1990s—with advancements in computerized corneal topography and oxygen-permeable lens materials—that it became an effective treatment option.

The science behind Ortho-K is fascinating. Unlike traditional contact lenses that simply correct vision while worn, Ortho-K lenses create a vault of fluid over the eye, subtly redistributing corneal thickness. This reshaping effect allows light to focus correctly on the retina, temporarily improving vision. The process is gentle, reversible, and highly effective, making it a powerful tool in myopia management.

A Vision for the Future 

Getting fitted for Ortho-K lenses requires specialized equipment and expertise, which makes it a premium service. However, given the long-term benefits – both in terms of vision correction and eye health – it’s an investment worth considering.

Through The Eye Place, Alex Kemp and his team are committed to making advanced myopia management accessible across the UK.

Ultimately, eye care is about protecting long-term eye health. If left unchecked, a mild prescription of -0.5 or -1.5 could escalate to -7.0 or worse by adulthood – something I experienced personally. While I don’t feel the need to give my children everything I lacked materially, I do believe in providing them with every possible health advantage.

Thanks to Alex Kemp and The Eye Place – who share the same desire to prevent issues before they escalate – I’ve found a way to do just that.

Written by Dr. Mandeep Rai.
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