The Real Urgency of Myopia

section for more from
EB’s evening at the Accessories
Council’s ACE Awards.
Myopia is one of the most common eye conditions worldwide—in some Asian countries, myopia rates exceed 80% among young adults. It is predicted that half of the world’s population will be affected by myopia by the year 2050. Additionally, a full 20% of those people may suffer from high myopia, according to the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC).
Trending Video → Tour the Issue with EB’s Editor-in-Chief
Curious what’s in store in this issue of EB? Join managing editor Kerri Ann Raimo by clicking play in EB’s digital edition for quick highlights + insider info.
The onset of myopia typically occurs in childhood between the ages of 6 to 12. However, childhood myopia is a highly treatable disease—and more treatment options, education, and support are available today than ever before. Yet, according to a 2019 GMAC study, only 26% of parents took their child to an optometrist in the past year.
In this issue, we take a deep dive into the concept of comanagement of the condition with our second annual Opticians x Myopia Study—the results of which just may surprise you. A full 56% of opticians surveyed said they have received training or education on myopia management—up from 49% in 2023. Almost half have seen an increase in demand for myopia solutions from their patients and their parents. And, 37% currently collaborate with their practice’s doctor to help guide the patient’s myopia management experience.

2024 issue delivers key intel on
children’s vision with a bold and
bright lineup of eyewear plus
the must-read results of EB’s
second annual Opticians x
Myopia Study.
Frame: Superflex Kids SFK-297
from WestGroupe
How can your practice make a difference in patients’ lives by guiding them in myopia management? Arming yourself and your staff with information and education on the topic and treatments is a positive direction—and then educate your patient base, as well. For more support, visit myopiaawareness.org/eye-doctors.
This issue is packed with intel to help with all of your interactions with children and their parents, from the above-mentioned myopia feature to our Totally Cool kids fashion feature. Our popular Focus on Fundamentals column also serves up a must-keep primer for fitting kids eyewear.
We hope you enjoy the issue!

Erinn Morgan,
Editor-in-Chief + Editorial Director
Director of Social Media, PentaVision