April 15, 2025
By Dr. Maryam Jabbar, Lecturer Optometry Department, The University of Faisalabad, Pakistan
Maryam Jabbar, Professor James Wolffsohn, Professor Aamir Alir Chaudhary
The 3rd International Myopia Conference, hosted by the University of Faisalabad, Pakistan, took place February 21 to 22, 2025. The event gathered global experts and eye care professionals (ECPs) to discuss the growing concerns about myopia and explore potential solutions. The conference theme, “Blurring to Clarity,” aptly reflected the efforts being made to clarify the global issue of myopia.
With the global rise in juvenile-onset myopia cases, ECPs are grappling with how to address this growing concern best. But now, there’s hope on the horizon: the World Council of Optometry (WCO), in collaboration with CooperVision, has launched the Myopia Management Navigator, a groundbreaking educational resource that will change the way eye care practitioners approach myopia.
The Growing Myopia Crisis
According to the World Health Organization’s World Report on Vision,1 myopia is becoming an increasing global health concern. Research shows that more than five billion people are expected to be affected by myopia by 2050.2 This sharp rise in myopia cases is concerning due to its impact on vision, as well as the serious risks associated with myopia, such as retinal detachments, glaucoma and cataracts.
The WCO has responded to this alarming trend by developing a comprehensive tool for ECPs managing myopia. The Myopia Management Navigator serves as an interactive, evidence-based resource that helps practitioners implement the WCO’s Myopia Management Standard of Care, which was introduced in April 2021. This initiative focuses on three key areas of myopia care: mitigation, measurement, and management.
The Three Ms of Myopia Management
The Myopia Management Navigator takes users on an educational journey through these three pillars of myopia care. It provides practical resources and actionable insights for optometrists offering the best care to their patients.
- Mitigation: Preventing Myopia Onset. Mitigation refers to proactive measures that aim to prevent or delay the onset of myopia. Starting from preschool years, optometrists are encouraged to educate parents and children about the risks of developing myopia. Early intervention and lifestyle advice are essential in reducing the risk of myopia. Regular eye exams should include conversations about family history, lifestyle factors and environmental influences, all of which can contribute to the onset of myopia.
- Measurement: Monitoring Myopia Progression Once myopia is detected, it’s crucial to measure its progression regularly. The Measurement aspect of the Myopia Navigator, therefore, emphasizes evidence-based measurements that are taken during comprehensive eye exams. This includes measuring refractive error, axial length and other parameters that indicate myopia’s progression over time. By accurately monitoring these factors, optometrists can determine whether the condition is stable or worsening and make informed decisions about intervention options.
- Management: Slowing Myopia Progression. The third pillar, Management, focuses on slowing the progression of myopia and improving the overall quality of life for patients. Once myopia is diagnosed and measured, the next step is evidence-based management. From there, optometrists employ treatment interventions — corrective lenses, low-dose atropine, or myopia control contact lenses. These interventions help slow the rate of myopia progression, reducing the risk of future vision impairment.
The WCO and CooperVision’s Partnership
The collaboration between the World Council of Optometry and CooperVision has been instrumental in creating the Myopia Management Navigator. With global support, this educational tool is transforming the way optometrists and other eye care professionals approach myopia management. By signing up for the WCO’s standard of care pledge, practitioners can access a wide range of tools, resources and educational materials that are aligned with the latest evidence-based guidelines.
Final Thoughts: A Step Toward a Brighter Future for Myopia Care
As myopia rates continue to rise worldwide, the Myopia Management Navigator provides an essential roadmap for eye care professionals to manage, measure and mitigate myopia in their patients. This tool equips optometrists with the knowledge and resources needed to slow the progression of myopia and prevent vision impairment, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for millions.
It’s evident that myopia is no longer just an individual concern — it’s a global health crisis. However, with the right tools, education and collaboration, we can take decisive steps toward effectively managing this condition and protecting the vision of future generations.
For more information on the Myopia Management Navigator and to stay updated on the latest developments in myopia care, visit https://myopia.worldcouncilofoptometry.info/myopia-navigator/#mitigation
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Dr. Maryam Jabbar has been serving as a Lecturer in the Optometry Department at The University of Faisalabad since 2021. She holds a Doctor of Optometry degree from the same university, earned in 2021, and she has recently completed her MPhil in Optometry. She has published 15 original research papers, 11 of which are recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in the Y category journals. Dr. Jabbar has presented her research at 12 conferences, and she was awarded a Gold Medal for Best Presenter at the 1st International Conference of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences (RASCON-2022). Currently, Dr. Jabbar is working on several projects, including the “MuSAFAR Tech Cane” for blind people, “Tea Tree Tonic” for managing blepharitis, and “JZ Optics” for frame selection. |
References
1 World Health Organization. (2019). World Report on Vision. Retrieved from WHO
2 Holden, B., et al. (2016). “Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050.” Ophthalmology, 123(5):1036-1042.
