On 13–19 May 2019, which marks the Myopia Awareness Week, the World Council of Optometry and Brien Holden Vision Institute are joining hands to encourage discussions on myopia and build a movement to help mitigate its effect on people.
According to a recent study published in the scientific journal Ophthalmology, approximately 538 million people had vision impairment resulting from uncorrected myopia. It was noted that of the overall productivity loss caused by myopia-related vision impairment, East Asia is the most affected region.
“We want to improve communication about myopia and its implication on lives, particularly children. We want caregivers to understand that children’s eye health is an important part of their overall health and development. We also want to make sure that optometrists are equipped with the knowledge to help treat their myopic patients. Ultimately, our efforts are about building a movement to fight this
myopia epidemic that we all we see coming,” said Dr Scott Mundle, President of World Council of Optometry.
Almost half the world’s population will be myopic by the year 2050, with nearly one billion people in the high myopia category. Researchers conclude that older people and those living in rural areas in less developed countries are less likely to receive adequate vision correction.
“There is much happening in research, product development and professional education to meet the myopia challenge, but it is critical we engage with those at the front-lines – eye care practitioners – to ensure they have the understanding and tools to protect our children’s futures,” said Yvette Waddell, CEO of Brien Holden Vision Institute.
