More than 150 participants from 11 countries and regions Monday participated in the first ever International Symposium on Orthokeratology organized by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's School of Optometry.

With the aim to present the current science and practice of orthokeratology and to set the standard on related practice, the event provided a forum for clinicians, practitioners, academics and researchers to keep abreast of updated knowledge in this discipline.

Leading optometry experts including Dr. Pauline Cho of Polytechnic University's School of Optometry have presented their views on pertinent issue related to orthokeratology at the symposium.

When dealing with the importance of good compliance and practices in orthokeratology, Dr. Pauline Cho said that while wearing Ortho-K lenses have been clinically proven to control myopia, the special lenses, like any other contact lenses, might not be suitable for all, especially for those with tight eye lips, high myopia or astigmatism.

Cho emphasized that good compliance is essential to ensure safety of wearing Ortho-K contact lenses, and patients should seek the treatment from those registered optometrists with specialized training.

(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2007)