Ortho-K. Clear vision by day, worn only at night.
Custom-fit overnight contact lenses that gently reshape your child's cornea while they sleep, slowing the progression of short-sightedness without daytime glasses or contacts. TGA approved. Fitted at nine 1001 Optometry clinics across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
progression vs glasses
across three states
in initial fitting fee
for myopia control
What is Ortho-K?
Ortho-K, short for orthokeratology, is a non-surgical Ortho-K treatment that uses custom-fit Ortho-K contact lenses worn only at night. The overnight contact lenses gently and reversibly reshape the front of the eye while your child sleeps, so the next morning your child sees clearly without glasses or daytime contacts.
Ortho-K is approved by the TGA, and is used worldwide as one of the most effective ways to slow myopia progression in children. Searching for Ortho-K Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane? 1001 Optometry fits Ortho-K lenses at nine clinics across the three cities.
How does Ortho-K work?
Wear overnight
Your child wears the Ortho-K lenses for 7 to 8 hours overnight while they sleep.
Cornea reshapes
The lenses gently reshape the cornea — the clear front surface of the eye.
Clear all day
In the morning the lenses come out, and clear vision lasts all day.
Fully reversible
If your child stops Ortho-K, the eye returns to its original shape within days.
Ortho-K also creates a peripheral defocus signal at the back of the eye, which is what slows axial elongation — the underlying cause of progressive myopia.
Is Ortho-K right for my child?
Ortho-K for kids is suitable for children and teenagers with low to moderate myopia, typically up to −6.00 dioptres of myopia and up to −1.50 dioptres of astigmatism. It is also suitable for adults who want to be spectacle-free during the day.
Ortho-K is a great fit if your child:
- Plays sport — no glasses to fog, slip or break
- Dislikes wearing glasses at school
- Is showing rapid myopia progression year on year
- Has eczema, allergies or other reasons that make daytime contact lenses difficult
- Has dry eyes from screen time
How effective is Ortho-K at slowing myopia?
Peer-reviewed clinical trials show Ortho-K slows axial elongation by approximately 30 to 50 percent compared with single-vision glasses. When combined with low-dose atropine, the slowing effect can exceed 60 percent.
A child whose myopia would have progressed by −1.00 dioptres a year may progress by only −0.40 to −0.50 dioptres a year on Ortho-K.
The 1001 Optometry Ortho-K fitting process
- Comprehensive eye test and corneal topography Your optometrist measures the exact shape of your child's cornea using a digital topographer.
- Custom lens design Your child's first pair of Ortho-K lenses is designed to fit their corneal shape, prescription and pupil size.
- Trial fitting and teaching session In-store, allow 90 minutes. Our team teaches your child how to insert, remove, clean and store the lenses.
- Overnight wear at home The first night is the only night you may notice anything. Most children adapt within 3 to 7 nights.
- Day 1 morning check In-store. We confirm the fit and the new prescription is hitting target.
- Ongoing follow-up visits 1-week, 1-month, 3-month and 6-month follow-up visits, all included in the fitting fee.
- 12-month review New lenses, atropine top-up if appropriate, and progression report for parents.
How much does Ortho-K cost?
1001 Optometry believes in transparent pricing. The Ortho-K fitting fee covers the consultation, corneal topography, custom lens design, teaching session, trial lenses and 12 months of follow-up visits.
Many private health funds rebate part of the fitting fee under contact lens or behavioural optometry benefits. We provide an itemised tax invoice for your fund claim.
Less than the cost of a coffee. The first 5 to 7 years of myopia management is the window where slowing progression matters most — Ortho-K does that without your child needing daytime glasses or contacts.
Is Ortho-K safe?
Yes. When fitted by a qualified Ortho-K optometrist and used as instructed, Ortho-K is safe and reversible. The most important safety rule is hand and lens hygiene. We teach every parent and child our 'wash, rinse, store' routine in the fitting session, and we monitor the cornea at every follow-up.
Risks are similar to any overnight contact lens wear. Your optometrist will explain them in plain English before you commit.
Ortho-K vs spectacle myopia control: how to choose
Both Ortho-K and modern myopia control spectacle lenses (MiYOSMART iQ, Stellest 2.0) slow myopia progression. Each works well — the right choice depends on your child.
| Factor | Ortho-K | MiYOSMART iQ / Stellest 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime spectacles needed | No | Yes — full-time wear |
| Sport friendly | Excellent — no glasses on the field | Good — sports straps recommended |
| Initial cost | From $1,600 (both eyes, 12-month follow-up included), ≈ $4.40/day | From $745 Stellest 2.0 or $775 MiYOSMART iQ (lenses both eyes) |
Find an Ortho-K optometrist near you
Ortho-K is fitted at 9 of our 16 1001 Optometry stores. Each Ortho-K clinic has a digital corneal topographer, a fully equipped paediatric room, and an optometrist trained in overnight orthokeratology.
- Bondi
- Chatswood Chase
- Macquarie
- Top Ryde
- Hurstville
- Blacktown
- Box Hill
- Emporium
- Indooroopilly
If you live closer to one of our other 7 clinics (Burwood, Eastgardens, Hornsby, Penrith, Chatswood, Parramatta, Doncaster), book your child's eye test at the local store and we will refer to the nearest Ortho-K clinic for the fitting and the in-store teach. Follow-up checks can happen at any 1001 clinic.
Frequently asked questions
What is myopia?
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is when distant objects look blurry but near objects stay clear. It usually starts between 6 and 14 years of age and progresses through the teenage years. Without treatment, myopia can keep getting worse, raising the lifetime risk of serious eye problems.
How do I know if my child has myopia?
Common signs include squinting at the TV, sitting close to screens, holding books close, head tilting, headaches after school, or a parent already wearing glasses for distance. Try Magnif-eye, our free AI screening tool, in under 2 minutes, then book a comprehensive eye test if needed.
How can I slow my child's myopia?
There are four evidence-based options: Ortho-K (overnight contact lenses), MiYOSMART iQ spectacle lenses, Stellest 2.0 spectacle lenses, and low-dose atropine eye drops. Each works well, and they can be combined. 1001 Optometry is brand-agnostic, so we recommend the option that fits your child.
At what age should my child have their first eye test?
From age 3, or earlier if there is a family history of myopia. Comprehensive eye tests for eligible children are bulk-billed through Medicare. Children should also have an eye test before starting school.
What is Magnif-eye?
Magnif-eye is a free AI-powered children's myopia screening tool from 1001 Optometry. It scans photos from your camera roll for visual indicators associated with myopia risk, in under 2 minutes. Photos are never stored or shared. Magnif-eye is a screening tool only, not a diagnostic device.
How accurate is Magnif-eye?
Magnif-eye screens for visual indicators associated with myopia risk. It is not a diagnostic tool. The result tells you whether to book a comprehensive eye test sooner rather than later. Only a comprehensive eye test with an optometrist can confirm a diagnosis.
How much does an Ortho-K fitting cost in Sydney?
Ortho-K fittings at 1001 Optometry start from $1,800 and include the consultation, custom lens design, teaching session, trial lenses and 12 months of follow-up. Many private health funds rebate part of the cost.
What is the difference between MiYOSMART iQ and Stellest 2.0?
Both are next-generation myopia control spectacle lenses. MiYOSMART iQ is made by HOYA and uses D.I.M.S. technology. Stellest 2.0 is made by EssilorLuxottica and uses H.A.L.T. technology. Your optometrist will recommend the option that fits your child's prescription, age and progression rate.
Can myopia be cured?
There is no cure for myopia, but progression can be slowed significantly with evidence-based treatments. The earlier we start, the more we slow progression and the more we protect your child's vision for life.
Is Ortho-K safe for children?
Yes. When fitted by a qualified optometrist and used as instructed, Ortho-K is safe and reversible. Hand and lens hygiene is the most important safety rule, and we teach the routine to every parent and child.
Will my child need to wear myopia control glasses forever?
No. Most children wear myopia control lenses until myopia stabilises in the late teens, usually for 3 to 6 years total. After that, they can switch to standard glasses or contact lenses if needed.
Where is the closest 1001 Optometry myopia clinic?
1001 Optometry has 16 clinics across NSW, VIC and QLD. Use our store locator to find your nearest myopia clinic, or visit our suburb-specific pages for booking, address and clinic details.
Book an Ortho-K consultation
Find your nearest store and book an Ortho-K assessment. The first appointment includes a comprehensive eye test and corneal topography. Allow 60 minutes.
