From Myopia Management to Myopia Business: Building the Systems That Scale - Dr. Fallon Patel

Myopia management has quickly become one of the most important areas in modern optometry. But knowing why it matters is very different from knowing how to actually build it into a successful practice. In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Fallon Patel, multi-practice owner, speaker, and myopia management leader, to break down what it takes to move from simply believing in myopia management to consistently delivering it in everyday clinical practice. Dr. Patel shares the systems that helped her scale myopia management across multiple clinics and a large team. From starting with just one or two treatment options, to developing a "myopia champion," training the entire staff, mapping the patient journey, and creating repeatable protocols that make it easier for every doctor and team member to participate. The conversation also dives into the importance of tracking simple KPIs. As Dr. Patel explains, clinicians may genuinely believe they are recommending myopia management consistently, only to discover that the numbers tell a very different story. Tracking creates visibility, accountability, and an opportunity to improve both patient care and practice performance. Dr. Patel explains why young patients can be excellent contact lens candidates and introduces her "3 Cs" of pediatric contact lenses - convenience, confidence, and compliance. She and Dr. Sian explore why clinicians should be cautious about deciding what a child can handle - or what a family can afford - before the conversation has even taken place. The episode also looks at MySight and MyDay MySight, patient compliance, staff delegation, and why giving families a complete picture of their options may be just as important as the treatment itself. Ultimately, this is a conversation about turning good intentions into action. Whether you are just starting a myopia management program or trying to scale one across multiple doctors and locations, the message is simple: start the conversation, build the system, measure what you are doing, and stop making decisions on behalf of the patient before they have had the opportunity to make them for themselves. 3 Key Takeaways · Keep myopia management simple at the beginning. You do not need every technology or treatment modality before starting. Dr. Patel recommends beginning with a manageable number of options, building confidence, and expanding from there. · Your entire team has to understand the patient journey. Front desk staff, technicians, doctors, and team members responsible for insertion and removal training all influence whether a myopia management recommendation actually turns into treatment. A clear system makes the process easier for both patients and providers. · Track what you actually do - not what you think you do. Simple metrics such as the number of eligible children seen and the number of treatments initiated can reveal the gap between clinical intention and clinical behaviour. Tracking creates the visibility needed to improve patient care and practice performance. **Correction: MiSight is supported by a 7- year study. During the conversation, Dr. Sian and Dr. Patel stated it was 8 years. About Dr. Fallon Patel Dr. Fallon Patel is a multi-practice owner in the Greater Toronto Area with more than 15 years of clinical experience. She is a recognized speaker and key opinion leader in myopia management and contact lenses, with a particular focus on building practical systems that help optometry teams deliver consistent, scalable myopia care. A special thank you to CooperVision Canada for supporting this episode of The 20/20 Podcast and for their ongoing commitment to advancing myopia management education, technology, and resources for eye care professionals across Canada. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/