LAKEWOOD, Colo.— This week is the first Myopia Awareness Week running from May 13 to 19 and it is designed to build awareness about myopia among eyecare professionals and to inspire action in caregivers to protect their children's vision. The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and the Brien Holden Vision Institute are collaborating on the initiative and encouraging others to join in. “We know that almost half the world’s population will be myopic by the year 2050, with nearly one billion people in the high myopia category. Myopia Awareness Week is about getting people talking about myopia in homes and optometry practices around the world,” stated WCO president, Dr. Scott Mundle.

He added, “We want to improve communication about myopia and its implication on lives, particularly children. 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 see coming.”


“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 line—parents, guardians and eyecare practitioners—to ensure they have the understanding and tools to protect our children’s futures,” said Yvette Waddell, CEO of Brien Holden Vision Institute. “This is an important and timely initiative involving the optometry profession globally,” she added.

Details about how to take part are posted here at MyopiaMovement.com and are being shared via social media at @MyopiaMovement.