A global call to unite, upskill and outsmart the world’s fastest-growing eye epidemic.
On World Children’s Day, HOYA Vision Care, together with international ophthalmology, optometry and public health experts, released the global consensus statement Tackling the Myopia Crisis: A Consensus Statement on Uniting Frontline Care, Policy and Thoughtful Innovation. The document calls for urgent, coordinated global action to address the rapidly rising rates of childhood myopia.
The statement outlines four priority interventions: universal vision screening, clinician upskilling, school- and community-based prevention, and policies addressing inequality and digital well-being.
“At HOYA Vision Care, we’re proud to champion a movement focused on protecting children from the rapid and preventable progression of myopia. This growing challenge clearly calls for an innovative approach and long-term commitment to improve the next generation’s health, well-being and their journey through life,” said Marius de Beer, chief sustainability officer at HOYA, in a news release. “Not only do we feel this as part of our purpose, but we are inspired to help resolve this crisis through transformative partnerships across healthcare, policy and education. Ultimately, early detection, care and awareness will result in a future where myopia no longer limits potential. Our vision is clear, true success will come when we all stand together to make healthy sight a universal right, not a privilege.”
Why it matters
The consensus aims to unify frontline care, policy and community action to close the gaps that make early detection inconsistent globally. The experts involved emphasize that this is not solely a clinical issue but a public health priority.
READ MORE: Myopia Correction, Control and Management—What’s the Difference, and Why It Matters
The four priority recommendations
HOYA Vision Care and global experts are calling for a rapid shift from fragmented efforts to a coordinated worldwide strategy. Their four key recommendations for eye health systems and governments include:
- Mandate universal pediatric vision screening for preschool age upward.
Experts call for annual vision screening for children aged four to 16 years within schools and health services, with timely follow-up and corrective care as needed. They also highlight France’s public initiative as a model for tackling rising childhood myopia rates. - Prioritize myopia management upskilling in continuous professional education for eye care professionals.
Panelists recommend expanding professional development for optometrists and opticians on emerging myopia management tools, alongside directives for myopia education across optometry and ophthalmology training. They also call for standardized patient education materials and the creation of peer-to-peer mentorship programs. - Integrate healthy visual habits into school curricula and community hubs.
The experts propose mandating a minimum of two hours of outdoor time daily across preschool, primary and secondary education. They also urge national limits on screen time of more than one hour daily, including digital lessons and homework. Teachers and community leaders should educate children on myopia symptoms, while healthcare institutions provide workshops on vision-protective behaviors at school and at home. - Recognize that these measures must work alongside broader policies addressing health inequality, digital wellbeing and universal health coverage.
The statement underscores the need for technological innovation, behavioral policies and strong public-private partnerships to ensure all children have equitable access to healthy vision.
READ MORE: Myopia Care in The Modern Age
These four recommendations, if widely implemented, could create measurable global impact. “We are uniting to demonstrate the global collaboration that is essential to translate proven interventions into scalable policies that protect children’s sight and safeguard public health,” said Prof. Serge Resnikoff, chair of the International Myopia Institute.
Jacqueline Grove, president of 20/20 Quest, National Vision’s Charitable Foundation, and CEO of The Coalition for Clear Vision, added, “Access to care for all children must be non-negotiable in global myopia action. Every child, regardless of who or where they are, deserves access to the vision care that could change the trajectory of their entire life. There is no better day than World Children’s Day to commit to this action.”
In a broader context
Myopia has escalated into a global public health emergency. Nearly five billion people will be affected by 20501, including 740 million children.2 Economic losses from undiagnosed and uncorrected myopia are projected to exceed USD 244 billion annually.3
READ MORE: Myopia Progression in Children Slowed with Use of Multifocals, Study Shows
“Childhood myopia has become a major public health concern demanding integrated, people-centered approaches at every level of care. The WHO SPECS 2030 Initiative supports countries in developing sustainable eye care strategies that prioritize refractive error services and myopia management,” said Dr. Stuart Keel, a World Health Organization (WHO) representative. “Partnerships such as this roundtable demonstrate how coordinated global action can drive real impact, but only if we move from consensus to implementation.”
Gaps in detection remain stark, with up to 60% of children in low- and middle-income countries still undiagnosed.4,5 “Children’s vision cannot wait for bureaucratic timelines; France’s experience proves that early policy action delivers measurable impact,” said Prof. Dominique Bremond-Gignac, professor of ophthalmology. “When governments, clinicians and industry work together with urgency and purpose, myopia management can be integrated into standard of care quickly and effectively. Other nations must follow suit.”
READ MORE: Updates in Controlling and Correcting Myopia Progression in Children
The takeaway
While childhood myopia continues to rise, the consensus highlights a clear pathway forward: early detection, strengthened clinical practice and community-wide support can significantly reduce the burden of myopia in young populations. But it will take collective action—clinicians, educators, policymakers and families—to protect children’s vision for the long term.
Editor’s Note: This content is intended exclusively for healthcare professionals. It is not intended for the general public. Products or therapies discussed may not be registered or approved in all jurisdictions, including Singapore.
References
- Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, et al. Global prevalence of myopia and high myopia and temporal trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123:1036-1042.
- Liang J, Pu Y, Chen J, et al. Global prevalence, trend and projection of myopia in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2050: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Ophthalmol. 2025;109:362-371.
- Brien Holden Vision Institute. Uncorrected myopia cost global economy US$244 billion in lost productivity in 2015. May 1, 2019. Available at: https://bhvi.org/news/uncorrected-myopia-cost-global-economy-us-244-billion-in-lostproductivity-in-2015/. Accessed on November 21, 2025.
- Fricke TR, Holden BA, Wilson DA, et al. Global cost of correcting vision impairment from uncorrected refractive error. Bull World Health Organ. 2012;90:728-738.
- HOYA Vision Care. Global Eye Health Survey: Barriers to Vision Care in China, France and Canada. Tokyo: HOYA Vision Care; 2023.