What Is Myopia and Why Does It Matter?

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a common vision condition that typically begins in childhood and progresses through the teenage years. It causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. Children with myopia may squint, hold books very close, or complain of headaches and eye strain — especially during schoolwork or screen time.

Left unmanaged, myopia often worsens with age and increases the risk of serious eye conditions in later life, such as glaucoma, retinal detachment and macular degeneration. That’s why early intervention is vital.

Our Myopia Management Service

At Alexander Kobrin Optometrists, we offer a dedicated Myopia management service designed to protect and support your child’s long-term vision. This specialist service is an important part of our wider commitment to paediatric eyecare.

Your child’s journey begins with a detailed eye examination and myopia risk assessment. From there, we create a tailored treatment plan based on their lifestyle, prescription and family history. Regular reviews ensure that the plan remains effective as your child grows.

We’re proud to provide expert guidance and leading technology to help children enjoy better sight today — and healthier eyes tomorrow.

Close-up of a beautiful green-yellow human eye with detailed iris

Person trying on red-framed glasses in optical store with display background

Why Early Myopia Management Makes a Difference

Acting early can make a profound difference to your child’s future eye health. Myopia control isn’t just about improving vision — it’s about reducing the rate of progression and limiting potential risks later in life.

‍

Benefits of early myopia management include:

Sharper vision without frequent prescription changes
Greater comfort and visual stability during learning and play
A reduced likelihood of developing sight-threatening conditions in adulthood
Increased confidence and independence at school and beyond

‍

The earlier we start, the more effective the results — especially during those crucial school years.

Advanced Treatments for Modern Families

Our practice offers the most up-to-date solutions for controlling myopia in children and teens:

Specialised Contact Lenses: Soft daily lenses such as MiSight are clinically proven to slow myopia progression while offering clear, comfortable vision.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): These custom-made overnight lenses gently reshape the cornea during sleep, providing clear daytime vision without glasses — ideal for active children and sport.

Myopia Control Glasses: Innovative lens designs like Stellest or MiyoSmart provide effective daytime myopia management with the convenience of traditional spectacles.

All treatments are backed by ongoing care, data tracking and expert support from our experienced optometrists.

Woman at eye exam with professional optometry equipment in background

Two women selecting sunglasses in an optical store display

Book a Myopia Consultation Today

We believe every child deserves the best possible visual future. Our Myopia management service offers personalised care, advanced treatments and trusted expertise — right here in Potters Bar.

Book an Appointment

If you’d like to explore how we can support your child’s vision, book a myopia consultation with our friendly team or get in touch to learn more.

Schedule Your Appointment

What our Patients say About Us

Here are some of the testimonials from our patients.

"This is simply the best optician I’ve ever been to. It’s run very professionally and the optometrists and their state of the art equipment are second to none. My only criticism is that they are always so busy!! I see Ioannis Tompazos and he is fantastic. He gives attainable advice and I trust him implicitly."

Jenny Wilson

The best I have ever used, highly skilled and experienced, thorough, professional, kind and polite. Rarely found these days. Cannot thank them enough they made such a difference.

Jessica Gruninger

HIghly impressed by his knowhow and ability to aid children suffering in school due to poor focus and concentration. Kind and compassionate to kids too. very recommended!

Rebecca Fischer

This is simply the best optician I’ve ever been to. It’s run very professionally and the optometrists and their state of the art equipment are second to none. My only criticism is that they are always so busy!!I see Ioannis Tompazos and he is fantastic. He gives attainable advice and I trust him implicitly.

Melanie Jawett

My wife damaged her frames in an accident, called the practice, treated courteously, was able to bring the frames and a 'while you wait service' was carried out, efficiently and timeously, cannot recommend this practice highly enough!

Attended the practice, saw Brian. Totally professional and very experienced. No hassles since then. Highly recommend this practice.

Neil Kramer

If there would be an option of giving you more than 5 star rating i would!!!

I've had the most amazing experience with Dr Clyde Alexander- he continuously performs "miracles!!"

Ruchi Mandel

Dr Yiannis Tompazos is an excellent and intelligent dr. I recommend him to everyone looking for a highly experienced, kind and knowledgable dr. Thank you for everything!

Akila Aberkane