In this episode, we’re excited to discuss the revolutionary Myopia Collective, a collaboration between CooperVision and the American Optometric Association (AOA) to address the growing myopia epidemic among children. Joining us are three esteemed guests: Dr. Jacquie Bowen, president-elect of the AOA; Dr. Justin Kwan, a leading figure in myopia management at CooperVision; and Dr. Sabrina Gaan, a Myopia Collective change agent. Together, we’ll explore the importance of myopia management, the benefits of joining the Myopia Collective, and practical strategies for integrating myopia management into your practice.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, has seen a dramatic rise over the past few decades, exacerbated by increased screen time and reduced outdoor activities, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. As children spend more time on digital devices for both education and entertainment, the prevalence of myopia continues to climb, posing significant long-term risks to eye health. High myopia is associated with serious complications such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, and glaucoma. Therefore, it is crucial for optometrists to not only correct refractive errors but also to implement strategies to slow the progression of myopia in children.

The Myopia Collective is an ambitious initiative designed to bring together optometrists and other healthcare professionals to establish a new standard of care for children with myopia. Dr. Jacquie Bowen, president-elect of the AOA, emphasizes the importance of this mission: “We have an opportunity to change the lives of our youngest patients by embracing myopia management. It’s not just about correcting vision; it’s about protecting their eye health for the future.”

Dr. Justin Kwan, a key figure in myopia management at CooperVision, and Dr. Sabrina Gaan, a Myopia Collective change agent, share their insights on why myopia management is essential and how it can be integrated into everyday practice. Both emphasize the importance of starting myopia management as soon as a child shows signs of myopia. Dr. Gaan explains, “The minute a child turns myopic, we need to start discussing myopia management. It’s crucial to address it early to prevent severe progression.”

Many optometrists hesitate to implement myopia management due to a perceived lack of time, resources, or confidence in discussing the science behind it. However, Dr. Kwan points out that the conversation shouldn’t be lengthy or complex. “It’s about making an emotional connection with the parents and explaining that our goal is to protect their child’s vision as they grow,” he says. Simple visual aids and straightforward explanations can make the conversation more accessible and less daunting for practitioners and parents.

The Myopia Collective also features the Change Agent Program, which identifies and supports leaders in myopia management across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. These change agents are equipped with the tools and knowledge to educate their peers, advocate for policy changes, and share best practices. They gather annually for in-person training and collaboration, fostering a community dedicated to advancing myopia management.

Advocacy is a crucial component of the Myopia Collective’s mission. By working with legislators and policymakers, the AOA and CooperVision aim to ensure that myopia management is recognized and supported as a standard of care. Dr. Bowen underscores the importance of policy advocacy: “We need to make sure that policymakers back these efforts and that optometrists are compensated for providing this essential care.”

By becoming a member of the Myopia Collective, optometrists gain access to valuable resources, including educational materials, marketing support, and networking opportunities with fellow practitioners. Members receive regular updates and toolkits designed to streamline the integration of myopia management into their practice. Dr. Bowen highlights the ease of joining: “Visit myopiacollective.org, fill out the form, and you’ll start receiving the benefits of being part of this important initiative.”