1 year strong, Myopia Collective advancing a new standard of care

With estimates predicting nearly half of North America’s population will develop myopia by 2030—and onset typically in younger and younger school-age children—the need for intervention is critical. That’s why the Myopia Collective was born. 

Powered by the AOA and CooperVision, the Myopia Collective is an initiative aimed at rallying the profession of optometry and its allies to interrupt the status quo and deliver the standard of care for children with myopia. Unveiled in April 2024, the Myopia Collective extended a call for members of the profession to join or apply to be Change Agents.  

Just three days after launch, an impressive 757 members had joined the collective and 77 Change Agent applications had been submitted. 

The heart and soul of the initiative, the Change Agents are doctors of optometry from every U.S. state and the District of Columbia who lead the profession in delivering myopia control efforts to patients and advocate for long-term community and policy change that facilitates the mission of the collective. Change Agents are part of a movement to shift the nation’s approach to childhood myopia. At Optometry's Meeting® 2024, 68 Change Agents were announced. 

“Change Agents will be the driving force behind The Myopia Collective, receiving specialized training in myopia management and leading legislative and advocacy initiatives in their communities,” said Michele Andrews, O.D., vice president, marketing and professional affairs, Americas, CooperVision.  

AOA President Steven T. Reed, O.D., added: “The training provided to the Change Agents will empower them to lead the charge in their communities and make significant differences in the lives of children with myopia. Change Agents are just one part of this pivotal initiative, with the other being the entire U.S. optometry community, along with paraoptometrics and families that have children with myopia."

Carrying forth the standard of care 

In September 2024, the inaugural Myopia Collective Workshop was held in Chicago. Dr. Andrews, along with Justin Kwan, O.D., head of myopia management, with CooperVision, and AOA President-elect Jacquie M. Bowen, O.D., opened the workshop by noting the historical significance of this first cohort of Change Agents, devoting time and energy toward carrying forth the standard of care.    

Participants came from different practice types with varying degrees of experience in myopia management, and the workshop delivered multiple sessions and panel discussions for doctors of optometry to adapt and improve how they execute myopia management in their practices, including:  

• How to communicate myopia management to parents and patients.  
• How to market myopia management in your practice.  
• The research behind myopia management.  
• How to advocate for children’s vision in your state. 

Change Agents also participate in monthly Zoom calls to collaborate, share ideas and receive further training. 

Join the Myopia Collective 

In 2023, the AOA surveyed doctors of optometry and found 69% of respondents provided myopia management services in their practices. Yet, of those who didn’t provide that level of care, the results highlighted three areas of concern expressed by doctors:  

• Accessing scientific evidence for support of myopia management.  
• Lacking the clinical care equipment, materials and strategies.  
• Fears that cost might drive patients away.  

But here is where The Myopia Collective seeks to make a difference. By becoming a member of The Myopia Collective, doctors can gain access to educational opportunities, information and resources to fight myopia. Join the 3,500 members who are engaging and advocating for children’s vision and eye health. 

Learn more about the Change Agents in your area.