SAN RAMON, Calif.—CooperVision and the American Optometric Association (AOA) have announced the launch of The Myopia Collective, a partnership aimed at elevating the standard of care among the optometry profession and its allies for children with myopia, the announcement stated. Attendees at the recent AOA on Capitol Hill 2024 received a preview of the initiative, which shifts focus from correction alone to embracing comprehensive treatment, provoking support from optometry leaders and national policymakers. The backbone of The Myopia Collective will be Change Agents—ambassadors who will receive specialized training in myopia management within their practices and lead legislative and community advocacy efforts, the announcement stated.

One or two Change Agents will be appointed per U.S. state and several territories, ensuring cross-country representation. Optometrists interested in integrating myopia management into their practices are encouraged to apply by May 17, 2024, by clicking here. 

“Disrupting the status quo and establishing a new standard of care for children with myopia is a monumental task, one that requires collective effort. The AOA’s full and active participation in The Myopia Collective alongside CooperVision is an unmistakable sign of how critical this issue is to the eye health and vision care for Americans both today and in the decades to come,” said Michele Andrews, OD, vice president, professional and government affairs, Americas, CooperVision.

“Through The Myopia Collective, and with CooperVision’s ardent support, engagement in myopia management at the practice level and outreach at the state and local levels will substantially increase—effective advocacy delivering tangible change. It’s what our communities, our children, and the optometric profession deserve, and the AOA is proud to be part of this movement,” said AOA president Ronald L. Benner.

Change Agents will participate in an educational workshop this September in Chicago, providing training on the issues, opportunities, and skills required to effectively add myopia management to their practices and represent The Myopia Collective, the announcement stated. Through this and other gatherings, Change Agents will have the chance to network and collaborate with fellow professionals.

The AOA and CooperVision plan to announce the inaugural cohort of Change Agents and share additional aspects of the initiative in conjunction with Optometry’s Meeting, which will be held in Nashville from June 19-22, 2024.

For more information about The Myopia Collective, visit the AOA’s website.