February 10, 2026
Photo Credit: Getty Images
ST. LOUIS — The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) has announced its newest member, the New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO). This partnership reflects GMAC’s global ongoing efforts to unite global stakeholders in raising public awareness about childhood myopia and the importance of early intervention.
As the recognized voice for optometry and optometrists in Aotearoa New Zealand, NZAO champions, develops and strengthens optometry through advancing education, advocacy, public awareness and networking. NZAO considers children’s eye health a priority and raises awareness about pediatric myopia and its management.
“He rau ringa e oti ai—with many hands the work will be achieved,” said Renata Watene, president of the NZAO. “This collaboration and partnership with GMAC signals another step towards collective plans to increase public awareness and raise the profile of myopia prevention and the importance of eye care and optometry services, not only locally but globally. I am delighted that Jagrut Lallu has accepted the initial nomination and endorse the council’s decision to appoint Jagrut as the interim NZAO representative. We are excited to seek further member support in this role as we move forward into the 2026 year.”
“We are proud to welcome the New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO) into the GMAC community. This marks an important milestone in our shared mission to address childhood myopia as a global public health priority. By joining forces with New Zealand’s optometric community, we can amplify our impact with a greater awareness, intervention and better outcomes for children at both local and global levels” said Olga Prenat, chair of GMAC.
GMAC was founded to promote public awareness of childhood myopia as a treatable condition. One of the primary objectives of the organization is to communicate through direct-to-consumer channels and collaborate with governments, NGOs, and health care associations to spark vital conversations. GMAC does not promote any specific clinical approaches but encourages parents to engage in proactive discussions with eye care practitioners to protect children’s long-term vision health.
For more information on the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition, visit www.myopiaawareness.org
