Photo courtesy of Dr. Sabrina Gaan, who shares the proactive approach she took to growing her Ortho-K services.
Stoking strong Ortho-K growth
By Sabrina Gaan, OD
August 20, 2025
It’s been three years since I launched my current practice, but my journey with orthokeratology (Ortho-K) goes back 15 years.
The reason I leaned into Ortho-K practice growth was simple: I saw a sharp increase in myopic children, with too many providers not doing enough to slow progression. As an optometrist and a mother, I couldn’t ignore it.
When my own daughter developed myopia, we chose Ortho-K for her when she was 10—pretty typical these days.
Her father and I are both far-sighted, but our experience showed me just how common and unpredictable myopia can be. That’s when helping families with Ortho-K became more than a professional mission—it was personal.
Starting Out With a Small Patient Base
I’ll be honest: I had no idea if I’d have the right patient base for Ortho-K when I started. My new practice had very few children. A handful of patients followed me from my old office, but otherwise, I relied on my website team to help target families. Over time, word of mouth and parent referrals became the main drivers for sustainable Ortho-K practice growth.
Expanding Into Additional Myopia Management Services
We decided to offer more than just Ortho-K. I brought in MiSight 1 day lenses as well. We launched both services at once so I could match each child’s needs with the best technology available.
Investing in the Right Technology
To deliver these services, I invested in a Marco autorefractor/topographer. It cost about $40,000—a significant expense but essential for effective Ortho-K practice growth. I use it every day, not just for Ortho-K but also for general diagnostics like early keratoconus detection. If you’re thinking about the return on just the Ortho-K side, it took roughly a year to break even.
Tracking My Ortho-K Practice Growth
Now, I have around 70 Ortho-K patients. We doubled our patient numbers in 2024 compared to 2023. For 2025, we’ve already surpassed last year’s totals, so I’m projecting about 25 percent annual growth. I credit this to happy families, solid parent referrals and straightforward conversations about Ortho-K during exams.
Marketing That Works
Our website and blog help, but honest conversations during exams are what really fuel Ortho-K practice growth. Most families hear about Ortho-K directly from me, then they pass along their experience. Referrals from other parents make the biggest impact.
Building Professional Relationships and Referrals
We get a few referrals from local ODs and a pediatrician, but most optometrists are hesitant, probably fearing they’ll lose their own patients. Still, I keep doors open and always welcome collaborative care relationships for mutual practice growth.
How I Educate Parents
When parents are new to myopia management, I break it down: I explain that their child’s nearsightedness is progressing, and Ortho-K can slow or halt that progression. Kids as young as five can be good candidates with parental help, but eight to 12 years old is most common.
I compare the lenses to dental retainers—worn overnight, removed in the morning. The lenses gently reshape the cornea, so kids can see clearly all day without glasses or contacts, and the science behind it helps slow the eye’s growth. Parents appreciate the clarity and practicality.
Revenue, Projections and Growth Mindset
Our practice generated about $60,000 in myopia management (Ortho-K and MiSight) last year and we’re on track for $80,000 this year. My goal is to grow at least 20 percent annually. For me, this area of our practice growth isn’t just about revenue—it’s about making a difference for families and my community.
Just Get Started
Don’t let uncertainty about your patient base hold you back. Start with the right equipment and take time to educate every family who walks through the door. Authentic, informed conversations drive Ortho-K practice growth far better than any advertisement.
Use images of your office, your team and—if you have permission—your patients. Authenticity and empathy matter just as much as technology.
Read more about Ortho-K and other myopia management treatments in Review of Myopia Management here.
Read more about myopia management in ROB here.
Sabrina Gaan, OD, is the owner of Eyes on Plainville in Plainville, Massachusetts. You can find her on Instagram: @dr.sabrinagaan
