October 18, 2021
ST. LOUIS — The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) announced that it will be expanding into the public health sector to include the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).
“The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition enthusiastically welcomes the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness as a partner to help raise awareness of the worldwide increase in the prevalence and severity of pediatric myopia,” said Juan Carlos Aragón, OD, GMAC Chairperson and President of CooperVision Specialty EyeCare. “Its participation will further extend and tighten the alignment between the bodies and individuals necessary to conquer this growing issue. Bringing together corporations, associations, and now non-governmental organizations and the public health sector through IAPB places us that much closer to overcoming the global myopia epidemic.”
GMAC comprises leading eye health companies and associations with a mission to increase public awareness of childhood myopia and treatment options. The organization also develops public campaigns alongside health care and allied professions to drive awareness and education surrounding risks and treatments. IAPB is the leading global alliance for the eye health sector, with member organizations in more than 100 countries working together for a world where everyone has universal access to eye care.
“Myopia is one of the greatest challenges that faces eye health in the coming decades,” said Peter Holland, CEO, IAPB. “IAPB is delighted to join GMAC, following its great success raising awareness and building understanding of childhood myopia. We are looking forward to joining in with GMAC’s innovative campaigns and working with our members to take the message of myopia awareness to a global audience.”