The Real Urgency of Myopia 

Myopia is one of the most common eye conditions worldwide—in some Asian countries, myopia rates exceed 80% among young adults. It is predicted that half of the world’s population will be affected by myopia by the year 2050. Additionally, a full 20% of those people may suffer from high myopia, according to the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC). 

The onset of myopia typically occurs in childhood between the ages of 6 to 12. However, childhood myopia is a highly treatable disease—and more treatment options, education, and support are available today than ever before. Yet, according to a 2019 GMAC study, only 26% of parents took their child to an optometrist in the past year. 

In this issue, we take a deep dive into the concept of comanagement of the condition with our second annual Opticians x Myopia Study—the results of which just may surprise you. A full 56% of opticians surveyed said they have received training or education on myopia management—up from 49% in 2023. Almost half have seen an increase in demand for myopia solutions from their patients and their parents. And, 37% currently collaborate with their practice’s doctor to help guide the patient’s myopia management experience. 

How can your practice make a difference in patients’ lives by guiding them in myopia management? Arming yourself and your staff with information and education on the topic and treatments is a positive direction—and then educate your patient base, as well. For more support, visit myopiaawareness.org/eye-doctors.

This issue is packed with intel to help with all of your interactions with children and their parents, from the above-mentioned myopia feature to our Totally Cool kids fashion feature. Our popular Focus on Fundamentals column also serves up a must-keep primer for fitting kids eyewear.

We hope you enjoy the issue! 

Erinn Morgan,

Editor-in-Chief + Editorial Director
Director of Social Media, PentaVision