April 7, 2026
Photo provided by CooperVision
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Myopia Collective, a joint initiative from CooperVision and the American Optometric Association (AOA), is officially open for new applications. The organization is currently looking for 17 new Change Agents positions across 15 states as part of the continued expansion of The Myopia Collective.
For the first time, the program will also welcome Student Change Agents from across the nation’s optometry schools, selecting one rising fourth‑year leader from each of the 25 institutions to take action early and strengthen the movement’s long‑term impact.
What Are Change Agents?
Change Agents serve as state‑level ambassadors, receiving specialized training in myopia management while advocating for improved pediatric eye health in their practices and communities. This year, the program is seeking Change Agents in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee and Washington. Although the Change Agent placements are focused in select states, the Student Change Agent program is open nationwide. Applications for both optometrists and students should be submitted online by April 27, 2026.
“We’re seeing tremendous interest from optometry students who are experiencing myopia management in both the classroom and the clinic, and eager to get involved,” said Jennifer Palombi, OD, FAAO, Director, Professional Affairs, Americas, CooperVision. “By welcoming Student Change Agents, we’re providing this next generation an opportunity to learn alongside experienced optometrists while preparing to bring myopia care into their own practices after graduation.”
The Myopia Collective
Since its launch in 2024, The Myopia Collective has grown to more than 3,500 members and built a network of over 70 trained Change Agents. Through workshops and ongoing collaboration, these leaders are helping expand awareness of evidence-based myopia management across every U.S. state and Washington, D.C.
The AOA and CooperVision will announce the new Change Agents and Student Change Agents—along with additional program updates—in conjunction with Optometry’s Meeting in Phoenix, AZ, June 17–20, 2026. In addition, all Change Agents will participate in a dedicated training workshop this November in Houston, TX, where they will gain novel and practical guidance on improving myopia management adoption in their practices while collaborating with peers to further advance children’s eye health.
“The Myopia Collective is showing what the profession can achieve when we come together,” said Jacquie M. Bowen, OD, President, American Optometric Association. “The alarming undertreatment of myopia calls for decisive action, and expanding this initiative strengthens our capacity to respond. By empowering experienced optometrists and emerging student leaders alike, we are reinforcing the clinical expertise, advocacy strength and professional collaboration needed to ensure that children everywhere have access to the comprehensive care they deserve.”
For additional details about The Myopia Collective and to apply for a Change Agent or Student Change Agent position, visit: https://www.aoa.org/member-
