New Global Platform Launches to Unite Ortho-K Practitioners and Drive Myopia Management Forward
A new digital platform, orthokeratologist.org, has officially launched with a bold mission: to unite orthokeratology (ortho-k) practitioners worldwide, including a strong call-out to Australia's growing base of myopia management specialists.
Billed as the world's first dedicated, independent community for orthokeratologists, the member-only site was founded by long-term friends and passionate ortho-k practitioners Jaimin Patel and Deven Lakhani. The platform aims to consolidate everything orthokeratology-related under one roof, from clinical support and CPD to supplier reviews and global networking.
Despite orthokeratology being widely recognised as the fourth mainstream eyecare option alongside glasses, daily contact lenses, and laser surgery, the founders note a significant gap in the market.
“It's incredible that despite orthokeratology being around for decades… there is still no dedicated global community and limited local support,” said Co-Founder Jaimin Patel. “Additionally, there is no consensus on how many orthokeratologists there are in each country and what help they need. We plan to fix that.”
Professionalising the ‘Rockstars of Optometry’
Co-Founder Deven Lakhani draws a sharp comparison to other specialised healthcare fields to highlight the need for a unified professional identity.
“If you are a dentist and you qualify in orthodontics, you are globally known as an orthodontist. So why aren’t eyecare professionals who qualify in orthokeratology known as orthokeratologists?” Lakhani asked. “It is simply because nobody has brought us all together yet.”
Describing orthokeratologists as the “rockstars of optometry,” Lakhani emphasized that the platform is designed to help new fitters enter the industry, assist current practitioners in growing their patient numbers, and foster a global community to advance the sector.
What’s in it for Australian Practices?
For Australian optometrists and practice owners, the site offers several highly practical, B2B-focused resources:
- Country-Specific Communities: Tailored local discussions, news, and CPD opportunities alongside global advances.
- Independent Supplier Directory: An alphabetised, one-stop-shop of lens manufacturers, topographers, biometers, solutions, and practice management software, complete with peer reviews and advice guides.
- Active Forums: Live troubleshooting and knowledge-sharing, tackling pressing issues like the “2050 myopia pandemic” and the clinical nuances of measuring axial length.
- The Orthkars | Golden Eyeball Awards: Launching next month, these will be the world’s first non-commercial, sponsor-free orthokeratology awards, designed to recognise those doing the most for the sector.
- KOL Access: Global broadcast of articles, podcasts, and keynotes from Key Opinion Leaders who previously lacked a dedicated worldwide ortho-k audience.
Big Ambitions for Myopia Control
The platform's ambitions extend beyond networking. Operating as a “business with purpose”, the team behind orthokeratologist.org has set a target to help the industry generate over US$1 billion in new global retail sales and save more than 1 million dioptres in children through expanded myopia management adoption.
The launch is accompanied by the first-ever World Orthokeratology Survey, urging practitioners to register for free and share their location, clinical focus, and resource needs. The data gathered will reportedly be used to map the global ortho-k community and advocate for better industry support.
Australian eyecare professionals are being encouraged to join the October 2026 global 'call out', register their practice, and have their say in shaping the future of orthokeratology.
Practitioners can register for free, access the survey, and request a 'guest login' for media viewing at orthokeratologist.org
