The Product Information (PI) for low dose atropine eye drop Eikance has been updated, recognising the existing role of therapeutically-endorsed optometrists in managing myopia.
Eikance 0.01%, supplied by Aspen Pharmacare Australia, is indicated as a treatment to slow the progression of myopia in children aged from 4 to 14 years. Atropine treatment may be initiated in children when myopia progresses ≥-1.0 D per year.
When the therapy was first approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration in September 2021, it stated that treatment should be supervised by a paediatric ophthalmologist.
However, on 9 March 2023, the PI was updated, stating that “treatment should be supervised by an eyecare professional”.
The PI update acknowledges optometrists’ existing prescribing practices, providing clarity and reassurance to therapeutically endorsed optometrists prescribing low dose atropine.
There are currently 6,796 registered optometrists in Australia, 4,748 who are therapeutically-endorsed (73%).
More reading
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