If your child finds glasses awkward for sport or their prescription keeps changing, you may be wondering what else could help. OrthoK uses specially fitted contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye. 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. 1
At Vision Camberwell Optometrists, we help families understand the benefits, the daily commitment and the alternatives before deciding whether to start.
Contents
What can OrthoK do for a child with myopia?
Clearer vision during the day
OrthoK changes how the cornea focuses light. Its vision-correction effect is temporary and depends on continued wear as prescribed. Some children still need backup glasses or additional correction for particular activities; glasses-free vision throughout every day is not guaranteed. 1
Slower eye growth over time
Myopia control is a separate goal from clearer vision. In the two year ROMIO randomised trial, children wearing OrthoK had, on average, 43% less increase in eye length than children wearing single vision glasses. This was a group result from one study, not a promise of a 43% improvement for an individual child. 2
The International Myopia Institute’s 2025 review also supports OrthoK for slowing eye elongation. Treatment response varies, so we need ongoing measurements to see how your child is progressing. Seeing clearly in the morning does not, by itself, tell us that myopia is controlled. 3
Is my child ready for overnight contact lenses?
VCO may assess selected children from around six years of age, but age alone does not determine suitability. We also consider their prescription, eye health, corneal shape and ability to manage lens wear with your support.
The practical question is whether your family can maintain a careful routine every night and morning. Younger children usually need hands on help. Teenagers may manage more independently, but parents should still check that cleaning and review appointments are happening.
If your child is anxious about touching their eyes, or the routine would be difficult to sustain, say so. We can talk through other myopia-management options without rushing the decision.
What does the daily routine involve?
Before bed
Allow time for clean, dry hands and the lens-care steps you have been taught. Follow the prescribed wearing schedule; IMI guidance generally recommends at least eight hours of overnight wear for OrthoK. Discuss your child’s usual sleep pattern at the assessment. For a picture of everyday life with the lenses, read a day in the life of an OrthoK wearer. 1
In the morning
Remove the lenses as instructed, then clean, disinfect and store them using the recommended products. Our OrthoK lens care guide explains each step. Never use tap water or saliva on lenses, and do not top up old disinfecting solution. Contact lenses should be kept away from water, including showers and swimming pools. 6
School camps, sleepovers and shared care arrangements need a little planning. Make sure the supervising adult understands the routine and knows whom to contact if a problem occurs.
What happens at the assessment and reviews?
We assess your child’s vision, prescription and eye health, and map the cornea to help determine whether OrthoK is suitable. Bring earlier prescriptions or reports so we can understand how their vision has changed.
Follow up starts early. At Vision Camberwell we review after the first night, at one week, one month, three months and six months, then every six months, consistent with published guidance. Your child may need additional appointments to check or adjust the fit. 4
Reviews assess comfort, lens condition, corneal health and vision, alongside myopia progression. Eye length measurements, where available, help monitor progression while OrthoK is changing the cornea. Keep attending even when your child feels they can see well. 4
What are the risks of OrthoK?
Overnight contact lens wear carries a risk of corneal infection, which can threaten sight. Careful fitting, consistent lens care and regular reviews matter, but they do not remove the risk entirely. The safety literature highlights the importance of all three, together with prompt treatment of complications. 5
If your child develops eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge or reduced vision, remove the lenses and seek urgent eye care. Do not reinsert them while waiting for advice. If urgent assessment is unavailable through the practice, attend an emergency eye service or emergency department. 6
What if OrthoK does not suit our family?
Other options include myopia control spectacle lenses, suitable soft contact lenses and prescribed atropine eye drops. These approaches have different routines, costs and suitability considerations. Atropine does not correct blurred distance vision, so a child using it still needs appropriate vision correction. 3
We can compare the options with your child’s needs and your family’s preferences; our comparison of myopia control treatments outlines the main differences. Ask for a written explanation of fitting, review, replacement lens and ongoing care costs before committing.
Before your child’s appointment
A little preparation helps us give you more useful advice.
- Bring current glasses and previous prescriptions or eye reports.
- Tell us about existing contact lenses, myopia treatments, allergies and medicines.
- Think about bedtime, morning routines, sport, camps and who would supervise lens care.
- Ask the practice whether contact lenses need to be left out before corneal measurements; do not choose a break yourself.
OrthoK assessments in Camberwell
Vision Camberwell Optometrists is at 784 Burke Road, Camberwell, in Melbourne’s inner east, serving families from Hawthorn, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury and across Australia. Consultations with Jue Wang are available in English and Mandarin.
To discuss your child’s options, book an assessment or call 03 9882 5666. You can also explore our orthokeratology and myopia management pages.
Questions parents often ask
Can my child swim during the day?
OrthoK lenses are removed in the morning, which can make daytime activities more convenient. Children must not swim or shower while wearing their contact lenses, because water exposure increases the risk of infection. 6
Does OrthoK permanently fix myopia?
No. Its corneal reshaping effect is temporary. Myopia control aims to slow further progression; it does not reverse existing myopia or guarantee that progression will stop. 1
What if my teenager wants to stop?
Talk with us so we can plan replacement vision correction and ongoing myopia management. There is no single stopping age that suits everyone, and progression may continue into young adulthood. 3
References
- Gifford KL, Richdale K, Kang P, et al. IMI – Clinical Management Guidelines Report. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2019;60(3):M184–M203. doi:10.1167/iovs.18-25977.
- Cho P, Cheung SW. Retardation of myopia in Orthokeratology (ROMIO) study: a 2-year randomized clinical trial. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2012;53(11):7077–7085. doi:10.1167/iovs.12-10565.
- Bullimore MA, Saunders KJ, Baraas RC, et al. IMI—Interventions for Controlling Myopia Onset and Progression 2025. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2025;66(12):39. doi:10.1167/iovs.66.12.39.
- World Council of Optometry. Myopia Measurement: Patient Follow-Up. Accessed 10 September 2026.
- Liu YM, Xie P. The Safety of Orthokeratology—A Systematic Review. Eye & Contact Lens. 2016;42(1):35–42. doi:10.1097/ICL.0000000000000219.
- United States Food and Drug Administration. Contact Lens Risks. Accessed 10 September 2026.
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 OrthoK fitting and myopia management for children and teenagers. We welcome patients from Hawthorn, Deepdene, Surrey Hills, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury, Box Hill, Glen Iris, and across greater Melbourne.
