November 17, 2021
The inaugural 2021-2022 class of CooperVision’s Student Myopia Leadership Society launched at the AAO Meeting.
SAN RAMON, Calif. — To continue growing the field of myopia management, CooperVision launched the CooperVision Student Myopia Leadership Society during the recent American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting in Boston. This program joins the rebranded Student Contact Lens Leadership Society, to which all North American schools and colleges of optometry name an annual participant.
Participants receive several opportunities to collaborate with their peers, hear from myopia management experts, improve their understanding of evidence-based science, and gain insights into successful practice operations. The students are also offered travel grants to two educational industry events of their choosing, including the American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting, Global Specialty Lens Symposium, Vision by Design, and the Global Myopia Symposium.
In addition, the myopia student leaders are invited to complete Brilliant Futures certification, which includes MiSight 1 day soft contact lenses as well as Paragon CRT and iSee orthokeratology.
“Part of CooperVision’s ongoing commitment to advancing the profession includes investing in its future optometrists,” said Justin Kwan, OD, FAAO, Senior Manager, Myopia Management, CooperVision. “Adding a focused myopia management initiative is a natural evolution of our student ambassador programs. In conjunction with their classroom and clinical education, our guidance will better prepare them to be the myopia management advocates of tomorrow.”
Each of the 23 schools and colleges of optometry across the United States and Canada have designated a third-year student for participation, based on their interest in the disease, academic performance, and other school-determined criteria. Selected students serve a one-year term.
“I’m excited to be part of such a unique network and a nourishing environment. With a deeper knowledge of myopia management, we will be able to educate parents, patients, and peers to truly make a difference,” said Alia Raad, Illinois College of Optometry student and member of the CooperVision Student Myopia Leadership Society inaugural class.
