Abstract
Objectives
To describe current components of scleral lens curricula at U.S. based optometry colleges
and universities.
Methods
Contact lens educators were surveyed between June 2019 and August 2019 regarding their
optometric scleral lens curriculum. Respondents were asked to describe their experience
and involvement in optometric scleral lens education as well as to describe components
of scleral lens curricula. Educators were also asked to identify sources of information
upon which they rely on in order to stay informed about new developments and best
practices in scleral lens prescription and management.
Results
Most programs begin scleral lens education during the 3rd year of optometric education
(71.2 %; n = 52). Students complete an estimated 18.0 ± 18.1 (range 2–100) scleral
lens evaluations during training (n = 36). Ideal fitting characteristics taught include
central corneal clearance of 206.3 ± 44 microns (range 150−350, n = 40), limbal clearance
of 62.1 ± 23.6 microns (range 20−100, n = 36) with one clock hour or less of conjunctival
vascular compression (n = 41). Educators ranked in-person continuing education (61
%, 22/36) followed by contact lens laboratory consults (22 %, 8/36) as the two most
important sources of information on best practices in scleral lens prescription and
management.
Conclusions
Educators are uniquely positioned to guide the next generation of eyecare providers
by incorporating and disseminating new research findings into their scleral lens curricula.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 18, 2020
Accepted:
July 31,
2020
Received in revised form:
July 27,
2020
Received:
June 23,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 British Contact Lens Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
