The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and Coopervision have formed a global partnership to raise awareness of myopia progression and encourage optometrists to embrace a standard of care to manage the condition.
“Myopia is arguably the most widespread epidemic faced by the global optometry community. Yet despite the increased prevalence and severity of the condition and its detrimental impacts on eye health, a standard of care does not exist to stem myopia progression. That is a disservice to our profession, patients and public health,” said WCO president Paul Folkesson. “Together with Coopervision, which has been instrumental in creating the myopia management category over the past decade, we can make an even greater impact by providing the platforms, tools and support needed for further progress.”
The joint initiative’s standard of care definition and promotion will be centred around evidenced-based approaches without bias toward any particular treatment methodologies, establishing a global resource to include multi-lingual myopia management resources.
“The WCO has a clear, resounding and respected voice within the global optometric community, and we are thrilled to partner with them on this important topic,” said Gary Orsborn, vice president of global professional, medical and clinical affairs for Coopervision.
