Two new international organizations have officially joined the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) — the Singapore Optometric Association and Optometry Australia.
The membership of these groups reinforces GMAC’s global commitment to raising awareness and promoting a greater understanding of and action to address childhood myopia as a treatable disease.
Singapore has the highest prevalence of myopia globally, with approximately 80% of children developing myopia by the age of 18. The Singapore Optometric Association works to raise awareness among parents on the importance of early intervention in managing myopia.
“Through our collaboration with GMAC, we aim to share resources, materials, and strategies to better advocate for and address myopia management among optometrists and the public,” said Lee Kang Lian, President of the Singapore Optometric Association. “Together, we can enhance awareness, promote early interventions, and improve eye health outcomes for future generations.”
By 2050, it is estimated that around 55% of Aussies will be living with myopia, with rates amongst younger Australians increasing sharply.
Optometry Australia (OA) recognizes that even low to moderate levels of myopia can significantly increase the risk of visual impairment later in life, including the development of potentially blinding eye conditions like retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.
For OA, educating patients and families on the causes of myopia, the environment, and other risk factors associated with myopia development, progression, and evidence-based treatment options is important.
“Optometry Australia is delighted to join the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition as an association member,” said Skye Cappuccio, CEO of Optometry Australia. “We recognize the critical need to act to reduce the local and global impact of myopia. We welcome the opportunity to partner with the ophthalmic sector and eye health associations internationally to increase awareness of the increasing prevalence and consequences of myopia, and of the plethora of management options available.”
GMAC was founded with a mission to promote public awareness of childhood myopia as a treatable disease through direct-to-consumer channels and awareness with governments, NGOs, and other health care associations. GMAC does not advocate for specific clinical approaches.
Instead, it is designed to stimulate public interest and prompt parental conversations with eye care practitioners.
“We are delighted to welcome two professional associations to GMAC, demonstrating the international development of our strategy for the coming years. Myopia is a global issue that requires a global response. Engaging and communicating with parents through eye care associations and eye care professionals is key to moving the needle on myopia awareness and making progress towards addressing the issue,” said Olga Prenat, chair of GMAC.
For more information on the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition, visit www.myopiaawareness.org