WATERLOO, Ontario—Although an increasing number of multifocal contact lens options are available, global prescribing rates remain relatively low, primarily due to perceived fitting challenges in the category, according to The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE). The organization's latest issue of Contact Lens Update focuses on providing insights and tips for eyecare practitioners to build greater confidence in recommending multifocal lenses and to aid successful wearer adoption. "Multifocal soft contact lenses have been available for decades, however, their penetration into the market remains low, despite more advanced products being introduced over that time," said Jill Woods, head of clinical research at CORE.

"These lenses are available in a wide range of powers, including astigmatic corrections, and in various materials. They also come in different replacement schedules, including daily disposable options. These innovations present an opportunity to fit more of the presbyopic population than ever before, yet many patients are unaware of the possibility. Contact Lens Update Issue 80 is designed to help overcome the profession’s cautiousness—rooted in legacy concerns about fitting time and a fear of failure—by presenting new research that can be directly translated into better patient care and satisfaction,” Woods said.

James S. Wolffsohn, professor of optometry and the head of the School of Optometry at Aston University, writes the issue’s opening editorial. He presents a comprehensive overview of the BCLA CLEAR (Continued Learning Evidence-based Academic Reports) presbyopia initiative, providing an update on current knowledge and management of the condition.

 
 (Clockwise from top left) James Wolffsohn, Jill Woods, Doerte Luensmann, and Sabyasachi Goswami.
  
Woods is a global expert on presbyopia, myopia control, dry eye and contact lens performance. With nearly 20 years of experience in presbyopia research and numerous publications in the field, she provides the feature article that examines how patients' initial reactions to soft multifocal contact lenses can predict overall vision satisfaction and intention to purchase after one week of wear, which can be a strong indicator of success.

Doerte Luensmann, a senior clinical scientist at CORE, contributes her expertise in clinical trial management for multi-site global and domestic studies, assisting in study design and site management. Her clinical insight infographic offers a proactive guide for optimizing multifocal soft contact lens fitting, including determining full refraction and ocular dominance and ensuring patient satisfaction with follow-up communication and training.

The conference highlight is shared by Sabyasachi Goswami, a graduate student in Brain & Cognitive Sciences at the University of Rochester, who specializes in visual neuroscience with research interests in myopia, accommodation and optical limitations of human vision. The study examines how various refractive zonal designs in multifocal contact lenses affect visual quality, including acuity, contrast sensitivity and preference, using adaptive optics to suggest possible patient-specific customization.

The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by clicking here.