As an optometrist, I have fit countless children with all varieties of contact lenses, so I was honored when I was asked to write the foreword to this book. However while I was reading this book, I began to think about my own son and experienced it from a mother’s perspective. Although he is only a toddler now and has not been diagnosed with myopia, he is at risk. My husband and I both wear glasses, which increase his chances of needing them at some point, too. This book made me wonder what I will do if that day comes? Will I fit him with contact lenses? Will I prescribe bifocal spectacles? How will he feel about wearing glasses or contact lenses? In the end, I realized that I will not know until the time comes. Each child is different and decisions need to be based on interactions with each individual child.

Dr. Despotidis has the same philosophy.  I know firsthand how much Dr. D’s patients trust and respect him because I have had the pleasure of co-managing his patients when they relocate to Boston. Not surprisingly, they speak very highly of him. I, too, trust and respect Dr. D. As the nearsighted father of two nearsighted children, Dr. D has a personal connection to the condition and his compassion and empathy are conveyed throughout the book.

If you are the parent of a nearsighted child, I invite you to take the time to read this book. The knowledge you gain will help you, together with your eye doctor, to make an educated decision for your own child. 

Marjorie J. Rah, O.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.O.

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Contact Lens Service

Boston, Massachusetts