What’s Covered :1. What is Ortho-K?2. The Revenue Potential of Ortho-K3. Why Most Eye Care Providers Overlook Ortho-K4. Adults and Ortho-K: A Hidden Market5. The Key to Scaling an Ortho-K PracticeUse the Right Messaging in Your Marketing Offer a Free Ortho-K Consultation6. Overcoming Common Challenges in Ortho-K7. Actionable Steps to Boost Ortho-K in Your Practice
In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, host Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Jason Carruthers, a Canadian optician, ortho-keratologist, and founder of OrthoKLaunch.com, to dive deep into the untapped potential of orthokeratology (Ortho-K). With decades of experience in optical retail and specialty contact lenses, Jason shares his journey from being told that “there’s no money in contacts” to building a million-dollar Ortho-K practice without selling a single pair of glasses. This conversation is a goldmine for eye care professionals looking to grow their practice, attract more patients, and add $100K+ in revenue by fitting just one Ortho-K patient per week. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, Jason breaks down real-world strategies and mindset shifts to help you succeed.
1. What is Ortho-K?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) involves the use of custom-designed, gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing patients to experience clear, unaided vision throughout the day.
Ortho-K has been primarily marketed as a myopia management tool for children, but it also has significant benefits for adults, including those with:
Myopia up to moderate levelsHyperopia (within a certain range)Presbyopia (with monovision Ortho-K)Post-LASIK regressionMany patients are looking for an alternative to daytime contact lenses, glasses, or LASIK surgery, making Ortho-K a powerful offering.
2. The Revenue Potential of Ortho-K
A single Ortho-K fit typically generates anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500 per patient depending on the practice and geographical location. Let’s break it down:
One Ortho-K fit per week at $2,000 per fit = $104,000 per yearTwo fits per week = $208,000 per yearFour fits per week = $416,000 per yearAnd that’s before factoring in annual follow-ups, lens replacements, and referrals.This is why many practitioners, once they refine their process, find Ortho-K to be one of the most profitable and rewarding areas of their practice.
3. Why Most Eye Care Providers Overlook Ortho-K
Despite its financial potential and patient demand, Ortho-K remains underutilized. Here’s why:
Lack of Awareness: Many practitioners are not taught Ortho-K in depth during optometry school.Fear of Complexity: Some assume Ortho-K is too challenging or time-consuming to fit.Perceived Low Demand: Many believe that patients won’t ask for Ortho-K (which is true—but only because they don’t know about it).Marketing Challenges: Doctors may not know how to promote Ortho-K effectively.4. Adults and Ortho-K: A Hidden Market
One of the biggest misconceptions about Ortho-K is that it’s only for children. In reality, adults represent a massive untapped market. “I’ve had patients in their 50s and 60s who were thrilled to discover Ortho-K because they never liked wearing glasses or contact lenses. Many said, ‘Why did my doctor never tell me about this?’” – Jason Carruthers
Some ideal adult candidates include:
Post-LASIK regression patients who don’t want another surgery.Mild hyperopes looking for a non-surgical vision correction solution.Presbyopic patients who dislike progressive glasses and prefer a monovision Ortho-K setup.5. The Key to Scaling an Ortho-K Practice
To succeed with Ortho-K, you need to prime potential patients before they step into your office. Here’s how:
Use the Right Messaging in Your Marketing
Most practices market Ortho-K incorrectly. Instead of selling prevention, which is a hard sell (e.g., “prevent myopia progression”), focus on immediate benefits:
“See clearly all day—no glasses, no surgery.”“Swim, play sports, and work without daytime contacts.”“Wake up with clear vision every morning.”“A non-surgical alternative to LASIK.” Offer a Free Ortho-K Consultation
Patients are hesitant to spend $2,000–$3,000 without enough information. Borrow a tactic from the LASIK industry: Offer free Ortho-K consultations.
Let patients come in and see if they qualify.Use that visit to educate them about the benefits.If they’re a good candidate, conversion rates skyrocket.6. Overcoming Common Challenges in Ortho-K
Practices new to Ortho-K often face a few key challenges:
“I can’t find patients.”
Solution:
Patients won’t ask for Ortho-K because they don’t know it exists. Market it proactively—online, in-office, and in local communities.
“Ortho-K takes too long to build.”
Solution:
Scaling quickly is possible. Many successful fitters get to 8+ cases per week with proper marketing and patient education. “When I realized the demand was there, I doubled down. In one week, I fit 16 patients and generated over $30,000 in revenue.” – Jason Carruthers
7. Actionable Steps to Boost Ortho-K in Your Practice
Ready to build your Ortho-K practice? Follow these steps:
Adjust Your Mindset: Ortho-K is not just for kids. Treat it as a core specialty.Revamp Your Website & Social Media: Clearly advertise Ortho-K services and its benefits.Offer Free Consultations: A simple, no-risk consultation boosts conversions.Refine Your Pitch: Train staff to introduce Ortho-K confidently.Use Testimonials & Case Studies: Real patient stories build credibility.Consider a Course or Mentor: Learning from successful fitters can fast-track your growth.For deeper guidance, visit OrthoKLaunch.com—a free resource hub for optometrists looking to expand into Ortho-K.