Childhood myopia rates are climbing, but fitting myopic children with contact lenses remains rare. This report examines real-world practice data across 1,800 U.S. locations to assess trends in pediatric myopia management—and to identify opportunities for greater clinical adoption.

We analyzed visits and contact lens fittings per location, per quarter, for patients under 20 diagnosed with myopia (January 2023-March 2025). Fitting rates were calculated as the percentage of myopic visits resulting in a contact lens fit, segmented by spherical equivalent group.

Key Findings

Practices saw roughly 11 myopic children per quarter on average, with no significant growth over the nine-quarter study period. Seasonal peaks (Q3) and a nearly flat trendline (slope –0.0009, R²=0.0864) confirm stagnant volume.

Fitting rates averaged 3.27%, with no meaningful upward trend. Seasonal dips in Q4 suggest external pressures, such as insurance resets. The fitting trendline slope is near zero, and time explains only 25% of variance (R²=0.2544).

Despite growing clinical emphasis, pediatric contact lens fitting rates remain flat. These findings reveal barriers to adoption—and opportunities for industry and practice leaders to drive change.

Click here for complete analysis to explore how fitting rates vary by myopia severity, practice size, and season—and uncover where untapped opportunities for growth still exist. —RON KREFMAN, OD

Practice Resources

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