BHVI, an Australian not-for-profit organization with an international focus on vision research, has announced today the relaunch of Myopia Awareness Week, a global initiative to bring attention to the growing epidemic of myopia in children across the world.
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is among the most common ocular disorders worldwide and is a leading cause of visual impairment in children.[1] Studies have predicted that the global prevalence of myopia will rise from 28% of the world’s population, or two billion people in 2010, to 50% of the world’s population, or five billion people in 2050.[2] In fact, uncorrected myopia is a leading cause of blindness worldwide.[3]
“Vision impairment due to uncorrected myopia and myopia related complication is on the rise and expected to increase further,” said Professor Padmaja Sankaridurg, Head of Myopia Program, BHVI. “It has never been more important to spread the word and make sure parents and children are informed, so that they can make healthy vision decisions.”
This year, Myopia Awareness Week will run from May 24-28, 2021. BHVI will be providing a range of educational resources for practitioners, parents and advocates of myopia awareness, as well as content for social media, to help drive awareness of this debilitating ocular disorder. Resources and campaign information can be found at bhvi.org.
“There is much happening in research, product development and professional education to meet the myopia challenge, but it is critical we engage with those at the front-lines—eye care practitioners—to ensure they have the understanding and tools to protect our children’s futures,” said Yvette Waddell, CEO, BHVI. “We are delighted to be at the forefront of Myopia awareness in promoting Myopia Awareness Week.”
