LAKEWOOD, Colo.—Myopia Awareness Week will be May 13 to 19, and 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 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.

"Together WCO and BHVI are addressing the prevalence of myopia globally by building an awareness that will help mitigate the effect that myopia will have on billions of lives."

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 we 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 frontline—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.

For more information about Myopia Awareness Week visit www.myopiamovement.com or visit their social media accounts @MyopiaMovement.