Choosing an orthokeratology practitioner in the UK

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Define the objective

Orthokeratology, ortho-K or night lenses use special rigid lenses during sleep. Discuss whether the aim is temporary daytime correction, managing a child's myopia progression or another outcome. These objectives are not identical.

The College of Optometrists ↗ includes ortho-K among myopia-management options and considers whether a child can handle lens care carefully.

Check relevant experience

Choose a practice regularly providing orthokeratology and verify GOC registration ↗. Ask about necessary measurements, the trial and who assesses the cornea's response after overnight wear.

Professional orthokeratology guidance ↗ requires discussion of risks and an overnight trial fitting. Selling a pair without monitoring does not meet this need.

Hygiene and urgent access

Overnight wear increases complication risk; corneal infection can threaten sight. Obtain written care instructions, warning symptoms and an out-of-hours help route before starting.

Establish who actually cleans a child's lenses and supervises use. Do not rinse them with water or change solutions independently. Pain, redness or worsening vision requires stopping wear and urgent professional assessment.

Costs and stopping treatment

Request assessment, lenses, fitting, review, replacement and supply costs. Ask what is payable if the trial is unsuitable and what happens after losing one lens.

Discuss alternatives and a stopping plan, including returning to glasses, vision assessment and repeat measurements. Night lenses are not a permanent cure for myopia. Choose a service explaining the expected result, limitations and long-term follow-up.