Looking for myopia treatment in Melbourne?
Book with Vision Camberwell Optometrists for comprehensive myopia management.
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a common eye condition in which distant objects look blurry while near objects stay clear. It usually develops because the eyeball grows too long for the focusing power of the eye, so light focuses in front of the retina instead of on it. Genetics play a part, and so do lifestyle factors such as intensive near work and limited time outdoors.
Myopia is not stagnant: in children it tends to progress, and higher levels of myopia carry a greater lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataract and myopic maculopathy. There is no cure, but progression can be slowed.
At Vision Camberwell Optometrists we offer five myopia control treatments: myopia-control spectacle lenses (including HOYA MiYOSMART and Essilor Stellest), myopia-control soft contact lenses (including MiSight 1 day), overnight OrthoK lenses, low-dose atropine eye drops and Repeated Low-Level Red Light therapy. A myopia assessment includes refraction, measurement of the length of the eye and an eye health examination, and we track eye growth at each review to assess progression and the response to treatment. Our myopia clinic is at 784 Burke Road, Camberwell, in Melbourne’s inner east.
Myopia treatment options compared
| Treatment | What it is | Practical considerations | Also corrects vision? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myopia-control glasses (MiYOSMART, Stellest) | Glasses that combine a clear prescription zone with specialised optical zones. | Worn during waking hours; no contact-lens handling. | Yes |
| Myopia-control soft contact lenses (MiSight, Abiliti) | Options include daily disposable myopia-control contact lenses, worn during the day and removed before sleep. | Daytime wear, with safe insertion, removal and hygiene. | Yes, while the lenses are worn |
| OrthoK | Specially fitted contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye. | Overnight wear, with lens care and the fitting and review schedule explained on our OrthoK for children and teenagers page. | Yes, during the day after overnight wear |
| Low-dose atropine eye drops | A prescription eye drop treatment used in childhood myopia management. | One drop used nightly, as prescribed. | No. Glasses or contact lenses are still needed |
| Red-light therapy (RLRL) | Low-intensity red light delivered through a home-use device. | Home treatment requiring individual assessment and clinical monitoring. | No. Glasses or contact lenses are still needed |
These treatments do not cure myopia, and results vary between children. A treatment choice can change as your child grows. See our comparison of myopia control treatments.
Myopia glasses: MiYOSMART and Stellest
We fit HOYA MiYOSMART and MiYOSMART iQ, Essilor Stellest and Stellest 2.0, Opticare MyoEase and other designs. You do not need to choose between these technologies from a diagram or a headline percentage. More on myopia-control glasses.
Myopia contact lenses: MiSight and Abiliti
We fit MiSight 1 day, MyDay MiSight 1 day, ACUVUE Abiliti 1-Day and other multifocal designs. Readiness involves more than age. More on myopia-control contact lenses.
OrthoK lenses
After removing the lenses in the morning, suitable children can see more clearly during the day, often without glasses. OrthoK can also slow myopia progression, although it does not cure short-sightedness or work equally well for every child. Seeing clearly in the morning does not, by itself, tell us that myopia is controlled.
Atropine eye drops
Our optometrists prescribe a registered product or an individually compounded preparation, case by case, and it is dispensed by a pharmacy. More on atropine eye drops for childhood myopia.
Red-light therapy (RLRL)
When we discuss whether red-light therapy may suit your child, we cover the evidence, the safety uncertainties and the monitoring it requires. More on red-light therapy for myopia.
What happens at a myopia assessment
- Risk factors and history. We ask about family history, when the myopia started, and your child’s near work and time outdoors.
- Refraction. We measure the prescription. Cycloplegic refraction, which uses drops to temporarily relax focusing, is done if indicated.
- Axial length. Your child looks into an instrument called an optical biometer while it measures each eye. Nothing touches the eye. This becomes a baseline for future comparisons. Read about axial length monitoring.
- Corneal topography. A map of the curvature of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.
- Binocular vision check. We check how the eyes focus and work together.
- Eye health examination.
We then explain what we found and the options that may suit your child. Bring current glasses and earlier prescriptions or eye reports, and previous axial length measurements if available.
Early assessment allows us to identify progression and discuss treatment while your child’s eyes are still developing. A children’s eye test is the usual starting point.
Reviews and monitoring
Once treatment is established, we review children every six months, or more regularly if indicated. Starting a treatment can involve earlier visits, such as contact lens fitting and handling appointments or the OrthoK fitting schedule.
At each review we compare prescription changes and axial-length measurements over time, alongside your child’s age and previous progression. Clear vision alone does not show whether myopia is progressing.
Myopia treatment fees
- Myopia-control glasses. Myopia-control lenses at Vision Camberwell Optometrists start from $540 for a pair ($270 per lens), plus your choice of frame. The final price depends on your child’s prescription, the frame you choose, and how thin and light you would like the lenses to be. A private health rebate may apply.
- OrthoK. Our OrthoK programme starts from $2,000 for both eyes. Medicare rebates and/or private health rebates may apply. See our OrthoK fitting and fees page for what is included and why the fee can vary.
- Other treatments. We will explain the options and give you the price before you decide.
Our myopia optometrists
Shonit Jagmohan FIAOMC is the Fellowship Chair of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (IAOMC) for the Oceania region. Jue Wang was awarded an IAOMC Fellowship in 2025. Vision Camberwell Optometrists has fitted over 2,000 eyes with OrthoK.
Consultations with Jue Wang are available in English and Mandarin.
Why do we need to control myopia?
Myopia is not a stagnant condition. Especially in children, myopia often progresses over time, requiring frequent updates to glasses or contact lens prescriptions.
It’s more than an inconvenience though — myopia control is crucial because myopia increases the chance of severe eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, myopic maculopathy, and retinal detachment. These risks escalate as the level of myopia increases, and controlling myopia is essential for reducing the risk of developing sight-threatening conditions and potential blindness.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is often known as short-sightedness, a common eye condition where distant objects appear blurry while near objects are clear. You’ve probably noticed it when trying to read a road sign or watch TV. The science behind it? It primarily occurs when the eyeball grows too long in relation to the power of the eye, causing light to focus at a point in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
What causes Myopia?
While the precise cause of myopia remains unclear, both genetic and environmental factors play crucial roles. Children with parents who have myopia are at a higher risk of developing the condition. But it’s not just genetics. Recent research suggests a strong correlation between myopia development and lifestyle factors such as intensive near work—like reading or using digital devices—and a lack of time spent outdoors.
What is high myopia?
High myopia is generally defined as a spherical-equivalent prescription of −6.00 D or more negative. Pathological myopia is different: it refers to characteristic structural changes in the eye, not to the prescription alone. Read about the difference between high and low myopia.
FIG 1.
Normal Eye
FIG 2.
Myopic Eye
Diagnosing Myopia
Myopia in children
In children, myopia often manifests as difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, while near vision remains unaffected.
Signs of myopia in children include squinting, frequent rubbing of the eyes, sitting very close to the TV or board in class, and complaining of headaches or eye strain. Children might also show a lack of interest in activities that require clear distance vision, such as playing sports.
Early detection through regular eye exams is crucial to manage myopia effectively and prevent it from worsening, ensuring proper visual development and academic performance. Our parent’s guide to childhood myopia explains what to look for.
At Vision Camberwell Optometrists, we offer a comprehensive eye examination, including a refraction assessment, measurement of the length of the eye and eye health examination.
Myopia in adults
In adults, myopia often presents as difficulty seeing distant objects clearly while close-up vision remains sharp.
Common symptoms include squinting, eye strain, and headaches, particularly after activities that require focusing on distant objects, such as driving or watching a movie.
Adults with myopia may also notice a need to hold reading material closer than usual to see it clearly.
If left uncorrected, myopia can significantly impair daily activities and overall quality of life. Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and effective management strategies.
Book your comprehensive examination today at Vision Camberwell Optometrists.
Myopia Frequently Asked Questions
Is Myopia genetic?
Research suggests that genetics play a significant role, as children with myopic parents are more likely to develop the condition. However, environmental factors such as prolonged work in front of screens and limited outdoor time also contribute to its progression.
What are myopia control lenses?
Myopia control lenses are specialised optical devices designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness, particularly in children and adolescents. Unlike standard single-vision lenses, they use advanced designs to reduce eye elongation, a key factor in myopia progression. Options include multifocal contact lenses, orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea, specialised spectacle lenses like MiYOSMART or Stellest, which use defocus technology, or Repeated Low-Level Red Light (RLRL) Therapy.
How much do myopia-control glasses cost?
From $540 for a pair ($270 per lens), plus your choice of frame. See myopia treatment fees above.
Can myopia be cured?
While there’s currently no cure for myopia, various treatment options are available to help manage the condition and slow its progression.
How effective are contact lenses in controlling myopia?
Effectiveness varies with the treatment, how consistently it is used and the individual child. Studies have shown that myopia-control contact lenses can reduce the rate at which myopia progresses. Regular reviews help us assess how your child’s myopia is progressing during treatment.
Is there a difference between Myopia and Hyperopia?
Myopia (nearsightedness) causes distant objects to appear blurry due to light focusing in front of the retina, often from an elongated eyeball or curved cornea.
Hyperopia (farsightedness) makes close objects blurry as light focuses behind the retina, typically from a shorter eyeball or flatter cornea. Both conditions can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
Are there myopia prevention glasses available?
While there are no glasses specifically designed to prevent myopia, certain types of glasses and lenses may help manage further myopia progression in children and adolescents.
Regular eye tests & visits to your optometrist is key to detecting and managing myopia early.
Do you fit MiYOSMART and Stellest lenses?
Yes. We fit HOYA MiYOSMART and MiYOSMART iQ, Essilor Stellest and Stellest 2.0, Opticare MyoEase and other designs. The practical decision also depends on prescription availability, frame fit, comfort and consistent wear.
What are the Next Steps?
It’s time to take the next steps towards improving your vision.
Here’s what you can do:
- Schedule a Consultation: Contact Vision Camberwell Optometrists to schedule a consultation with our optometrists. We will thoroughly evaluate your condition, discuss your concerns, and recommend appropriate intervention options.
- Ask Questions: During your consultation, feel free to ask any questions you may have. Our optometrists are here to address your concerns and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your eye health.
- Attend Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring your progress and making any necessary adjustments to your optometry plan. These appointments allow our optometrists to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and address any concerns or questions you may have.
Reviewed by Dr Shonit Jagmohan, B.Optom (Hons), FIAOMC, IACMM, Ophthalmic Medicines Prescriber, Fellowship Chair for the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (Oceania). Last reviewed October 2026.
Visit us in Camberwell
T. (03) 9882 5666
E. vision@visioncamberwell.com.au
Find Us at:
784 Burke Rd, Camberwell
Victoria 3124, Australia
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Friday. 9am – 6pm
Wednesday. 9am – 5pm
Thursday. 10.30am – 7.30pm
Saturday. CLOSED
Book your appointment with one of our friendly team members today
T: (03) 9882 5666
Serving Camberwell and the Surrounding South Eastern Suburbs
An independent practice in Camberwell since 1951, we are experts in myopia management. We welcome families seeking myopia management from Hawthorn, Deepdene, Surrey Hills, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury, Box Hill, Glen Iris, and across greater Melbourne.
