AAOpt 2026: Kevin Chan, OD, on low-dose atropine for myopia management

Kevin Chan, OD, MS, FAAO, FBCLA, IACMM, moderated a joint symposium at AAOpt 2026 on the literature and evidence behind low-dose atropine for treating myopia. Chan is senior clinical director of Treehouse Eyes, educational co-chair of the Maryland Optometric Association, and co-editor of the Review of Myopia Management. Chan spoke with Optometry Times about the symposium's goals and the regulatory outlook for atropine in myopia management.

Why are optometrists hesitant to use low-dose atropine?

Although ophthalmologists use low-dose atropine extensively, Chan said optometrists remain hesitant or skeptical about its broader applications. Chan hopes the symposium draws more attention to the therapy and clarifies common clinical misconceptions about its use. Panelists shared evidence-based outcomes of low-dose atropine treatment and their recommendations for how it should be used in practice to treat myopia.

The symposium, co-hosted by the Myopia Special Interest Group and the American Academy of Optometry's Binocular Vision, Perception, and Pediatric Optometry Section, featured five speakers and examined how atropine can change accommodation, vergence, and overall perception. “The use of atropine is highly individualized, and it's not one size for all patients,” Chan said, noting a single dose of atropine may not produce the same response or clinical outcome in every patient. Chan encouraged clinicians to evaluate binocular vision function when treating patients on atropine, not just dosing and visual acuity.

What FDA approval could mean for atropine in myopia management

No FDA-approved pharmaceutical therapy for pediatric progressive myopia exists in the US, so clinicians prescribing atropine rely on compounded formulations. An FDA advisory committee will review the Sydnexis application for SYD-101 (atropine 0.01%) on October 30, 2026, following a complete response letter issued in October 2025.

Chan acknowledged atropine has faced challenges in the past but said he is optimistic it will soon become FDA-approved. Chan said approval would make clinicians and parents more confident in using atropine. “It will also increase the accessibility of the atropine use for a lot of patients, including low-income or less privileged populations,” Chan said.