SAN RAMON, Calif.—CooperVision announced that its initiative that bridges myopia management access disparities among under-resourced children in the U.S. is underway. The program, now officially named “Generation Sight,” signifies a transformative commitment to enhancing the vision health of both children and their communities. The first children in Boston and Chicago have been successfully enrolled and are currently undergoing treatment, marking a milestone in the initial stages of the program’s implementation, according to the announcement from the company.

“These developments emphasize CooperVision’s dedication to swift implementation, helping under-resourced kids attain myopia care that might otherwise be inaccessible to them,” said Michele Andrews, OD, vice president, professional and government affairs, Americas, CooperVision. “I’d like to especially thank our academic partners, who have embraced every aspect of our unique partnership. They are equally committed to moving rapidly in support of their communities by protecting children’s eye health.”

The initial phase of Generation Sight includes the New England College of Optometry and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in metropolitan Boston and central Massachusetts, and the Illinois College of Optometry in the greater Chicago area. In conjunction with CooperVision, school faculty, residents and students identify and treat children in need, as well as engage other multidisciplinary partners.

The program offers MiSight 1 day soft contact lenses and Paragon CRT orthokeratology contact lenses at no cost for as long as participating children require treatment for their myopia. Designed for myopia control, MiSight 1 day myopia control soft contact lenses are approved by the FDA to slow myopia progression in children aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment. Paragon CRT provides daytime reduction of myopia using the ortho-k contact lenses to correct vision overnight.

Evaluations will be carried out throughout the year to assess the initiative’s performance and contribute to ongoing enhancements. This process will assist CooperVision in eventual program expansion, reaching more communities and providing myopia management to a greater number of under-resourced children.

“The initial group of children enrolled in Generation Sight are pioneers—their experiences and feedback will pave the way for so many others in the months and years ahead,” said Dr. Andrews.