Myopia, or short-sightedness is sharply rising in prevalence world-wide. Already, in many East Asian countries, one in two children aged 10 years and above is myopic. It has been said that by 2050, nearly half of the world’s population will be myopic. That is a staggering 5 billion people suffering from potentially preventable vision loss and an increased risk of sight-threatening complications.

Importantly, COVID-19 has significantly raised the stakes and increased the burden of myopia. Evidence from across the globe found that the COVID lockdowns with an increase in near based activities and less time outdoors resulted in a spike in prevalence, incidence (new cases of myopia) and progression of myopia.

Creating change starts with a voice – a collective voice of eye care professionals and industry partners, raising awareness and getting parents and children into clinics for informed discussions about myopia.

The Myopia Awareness campaign aims to increase awareness of myopia and to encourage parents and practitioners to make “Eye Moves” to reduce the

• Risk of onset of myopia;
• Progression of myopia in eyes that are already myopic; and
• Overall burden of myopia with improved myopia management techniques.