SPONSORED: Tackling myopia progression: our shared responsibility as eyecare professionals

Equally critical is the early identification of children at risk of developing myopia. Predictive factors such as the current age of the child^5-8, parental myopia^5,9, time spent on near activities or limited outdoor exposure^5,10,11 and, most notably, refractive status¹², should inform clinical decision-making. For example, a child presenting with less than +0.75D hyperopia between the ages of six and seven may face a heightened risk of developing myopia¹². Early detection and timely intervention may help to reduce the impact of onset and progression.

Our collective role as eyecare professionals extends well beyond diagnosis and prescription. We must continue to lead by example – educating our communities, engaging in professional collaboration and advocating for greater awareness of the long-term implications of untreated or under-managed myopia.

As a presenter at the Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA) conference, I observed a strong commitment among optical dispensers to expanding their knowledge of myopia and its management. Like optometrists, dispensers play an integral part in reinforcing treatment plans and supporting patient understanding. A collaborative approach among all eyecare professionals can meaningfully enhance patient confidence and adherence to prescribed myopia control strategies.

As a professional community, we have the knowledge, tools and responsibility to help curb the rising rates of myopia progression. Through continued education, collaboration and patient engagement, we can drive meaningful change in the way myopia is managed – one patient, one conversation and one action at a time.

References

1. Holden BA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123:1036–42.
2. Bao J, Huang Y, Li X, Yang A, Zhou F, Wu J, Wang C, Li Y, Lim EW, Spiegel DP, Drobe B, Chen, H. Spectacle lenses with aspherical lenslets for myopia control vs single-vision spectacle lenses: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA ophthalmology. 2022;140(5):472-8.
3. Bao J, Yang A, Huang Y, Li X, Pan Y, Ding C, Lim EW, Zheng J, Spiegel DP, Drobe B, Lu F. One-year myopia control efficacy of spectacle lenses with aspherical lenslets. British Journal of Ophthalmology. 2022;106(8):1171-6.
4. EssilorLuxottica. Myopia control efficacy of spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets: results of a 6-year follow-up study. 2025. Data on file.
5. Pärssinen O, et al. The progression of myopia from its onset at age 8–12 to adulthood and the influence of heredity and external factors on myopic progression. A 23-year follow-up study. Acta Ophthalmologica. 2014;92(8):730-9
6. Chua SY, et al. Age of onset of myopia predicts risk of high myopia in later childhood in myopic Singapore children. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics. 2016;36(4):388-94
7. Matsumura S, et al. Annual myopia progression and subsequent 2-year myopia progression in Singaporean children. Translational Vision Science & Technology. 2020;9(13):12;
8. Donovan L, et al. Myopia progression rates in urban children wearing single-vision spectacles. Optometry and Vision Science. 2012;89(1):27
9. Jones LA, et al. Parental History of Myopia, Sports and Outdoor Activities, and Future Myopia. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2007;48(8):3524-3532
10. Li SM, et al. Near work related parameters and myopia in Chinese children: the Anyang Childhood Eye Study. PloS one. 2015 Aug 5;10(8):e0134514.;
11. Rose KA, et al. Outdoor Activity Reduces the Prevalence of Myopia in Children. Ophthalmology. 2008;115(8):1279-1285;
12. Rose KA, et al. Outdoor Activity Reduces the Prevalence of Myopia in Children. Ophthalmology. 2008;115(8):1279-1285;

Amy Pillay is professional affairs manager ANZ for EssilorLuxottica