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In Northern Ireland, children with short-sightedness are facing a discrepancy in the treatment they receive compared to other regions of the UK, according to optometrists from the area. The chair of Optometry NI, Brian McKeown, expressed frustration over the current rules that restrict the use of NHS vouchers for new treatment for myopia, while optometrist Faith Donaldson emphasized the potential benefits of advances in medicine that can slow down the progression of the condition. Despite these calls for change, the Department of Health has maintained that the evidence supporting funded use is not yet sufficient.
Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is a common eye condition affecting approximately one in three people in the UK. While children in Northern Ireland can use NHS vouchers ranging from £40 to £60 for glasses to aid in improved vision, they are unable to utilize them for specialized glasses or contact lenses aimed at treating myopia. This treatment, referred to as myopia management, has the potential to halt or reduce the worsening of short-sightedness, highlighting the importance of access to such services for affected individuals.
Danny, a 13-year-old individual diagnosed with myopia at the age of seven, shared his positive experience with contact lenses as part of his treatment. He noticed a significant improvement in his vision after beginning myopia management, underscoring the impact of early intervention in slowing down the condition’s progression. Despite the costs involved in paying privately for such treatments, individuals like Danny’s mother, Emma McManus, prioritize their children’s eye health, demonstrating a willingness to invest in interventions that can safeguard their eyesight for the future.
Amidst ongoing advocacy for changes in the current system, Brian McKeown of Optometry NI emphasized the growing evidence supporting myopia management and the need for equitable access to such treatments across all regions. While the Department of Health acknowledges the interest in this subject and the ongoing monitoring of the situation, their stance on funding for myopia management remains unchanged for now. As families continue to navigate the complexities of managing short-sightedness in children, the call for inclusive and supportive policies in Northern Ireland’s healthcare system remains a pressing issue
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