Ortho-K

boy puts on contact lenses at the table with bottles with cleansing solution and eye drop

Understanding Ortho-K

Ortho-K, or Orthokeratology, is a non-surgical procedure that corrects children’s vision and reduces their reliance on glasses or contact lenses. It works overnight while your child sleeps, using specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses to gently reshape the cornea–like braces for the eyes. Upon waking, the child removes the lenses, enjoying clear vision for the day.

Offering a great alternative to LASIK, Ortho-K provides 36 hours of full vision correction if worn every night as prescribed. It is one of the most common vision correction methods for teenagers and pre-teens in our practice.

Little child girl putting contact lens into her eye

Benefits and results

“A young boy once came in and happily announced to everyone in the waiting room that he wouldn’t have to wear his glasses to school that day. It meant a lot to him as he was the only child in his class wearing glasses.” – Michael Kotow, Optometrist

Ortho-K offers a range of benefits, including the potential to slow down the progression of myopia without the need for surgery and to prevent your prescription from increasing over time. It is suitable for most individuals, providing freedom from constant corrective lens wear and eliminating concerns about broken or lost glasses or contact lenses. Additionally, it fosters a more positive attitude toward vision, and the procedure is entirely reversible.

Little girl wearing pajama sitting on her bed

Candidates for Ortho-K

Is Ortho-K suitable for your child? For some children, it can be life-changing on physical, social and emotional levels. While we primarily prescribe Ortho-K to correct and slow the progression of myopia, it can also be effective for children with hyperopia and astigmatism.

Your child is an ideal candidate for Ortho-K if they otherwise have good eye health and prefer not to wear glasses or contact lenses throughout the day or if wearing them poses difficulties. It can be particularly beneficial for children involved in sports or activities where glasses can be cumbersome or restrictive.

Expert, safe care for young eyes

Ortho-K lenses are safer than standard lenses since they require fewer hours of wear per week. Like all contact lenses, there is a small risk of infection, so avoid use if the eyes are red, irritated or painful. At Ian Donald Optometrist, we prioritise your child’s long-term eye health and comfort. Your child could achieve excellent vision with Ortho-K after just one or two overnight treatments. Reach out to a friendly member of our team to learn more.

“Ortho‑K offers a range of benefits, including the potential to slow down the progression of myopia without the need for surgery and to prevent your prescription from increasing over time.”

Areas We Serve

We have cared for Northern Beaches locals' eye health for over fifty years. Ian Donald Optometrists are here for you with the latest technology and an extensive range of frames from local and international designers.

Manly

Servicing Manly with high-quality eye care and an extensive range of boutique fashion eye wear brands.

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Balgowlah

Servicing Balgowlah and surrounding areas with high-quality eye care and boutique fashion eyewear brands.

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Freshwater

Servicing Freshwater locals with professional eye care and an envious range of boutique fashion eyewear from local and international designers.

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Dee Why

Dee Why locals have been travelling south to Manly to visit our optometrists for decades. For specialist eye care and professional service.

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Brookvale

For generations, the locals of Brookvale have been turning to Ian Donald Optometrists to care for their vision.

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Collaroy

Our reputation for service, quality, and professionalism is why so many customers in Collaroy come to Ian Donald Optometrists for eye care.

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FAQs

What is Ortho-K, and how can Manly or Collaroy locals benefit from a non-surgical solution to vision correction?

Ortho-K, or orthokeratology, uses specialised gas-permeable lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea—delivering clear daytime vision without glasses or contact lenses, often lasting up to 36 hours as long as the treatment continues.

How can Ortho-K slow myopia progression in children from Freshwater or Dee Why?

By gently reforming the corneal surface, Ortho-K can help slow the rate at which short-sightedness worsens—offering protection and stability during critical growth years.

What makes someone from Balgowlah or Brookvale an ideal candidate for Ortho-K?

Patients—especially children or teens—with myopia, astigmatism or mild hyperopia who have good eye health and prefer not to wear glasses during sports or active days are often excellent Ortho-K candidates

Is the effect of Ortho-K reversible, and what happens if I stop using the lenses?

Yes—if nightly wear stops, the cornea gradually returns to its original shape and vision reverts, usually within a few days

How soon can residents in Collaroy or Manly expect improved vision with Ortho-K?

Many notice clearer vision after just one or two nights of wear, although full correction may take up to two weeks depending on the complexity of the prescription.

Are there safety concerns or special care needed for Ortho-K lenses in the Northern Beaches?

Although safer than regular overnight contact lenses, Ortho-K carries a small risk of infection. Strict hygiene, regular cleaning, and professional follow-ups help manage this effectively.

See better. Look perfect.

Leading optometrists offering precision eye care with cutting-edge technology and equipment. Specialist eyewear dispensers who ensure you find the perfect set of frames for your features.

See better. Look perfect.

Have questions?
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Shop 2, 37-39 The Corso,
Manly NSW 2095

Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 5.30pm
Saturday - 8.30am to 4.00pm

Ian Donald Optometrist is a private billing practice. Please contact reception for our consultation fee schedule. Medicare and private health insurance rebates apply.