After a successful inaugural global event in 2023, September has once again been declared Myopia Action Month by Australian-based Myopia Profile.
The worldwide event is poised to deliver 30 days of tailored education, industry collaboration, and encouragement to empower eye care professionals (ECPs) to more effectively address the disease, helping counter growing prevalence rates.
The global initiative aligns with the World Council of Optometry’s advocacy for myopia patient care.
“When we launched Myopia Action Month last year, feedback from the eye care community and industry was essential in shaping the curriculum,” said Dr Kate Gifford, co-founder of Myopia Profile.
“Heading into the second year, we’re expanding upon a successful foundation. The 2024 edition will bring even more engaging content and practical learning experiences.”
DUAL TRACK EDUCATION
This year’s program features two educational tracks, ‘Foundations’ and ‘Advanced’, each offering an on-demand package of four 15-minute recorded lectures covering a variety of topics. The science-based lectures will be accompanied by sponsor product videos to support practical understanding, Dr Gifford said.
Myopia Profile will also provide social media resources to encourage ECPs to post, share, and discuss Myopia Action Month.
“The resources we’re developing are designed to empower ECPs at any stage to refine their myopia action plans and management strategies,” said Dr Gifford.
“Our 2024 event will introduce new practice support, online courses, downloadable resources, and a host of other additions. We had a fantastic first year, and we’re committed to making this September even more valuable in turning myopia knowledge and awareness into action.”
EXPANDED LANGUAGE RESOURCES
Myopia Profile has also announced that its key educational materials are now available in 20 languages.
Recent translations of the free online clinical resources include Czech, Dutch, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
“Achieving 20 translations for these clinical support tools is significant,” Dr Gifford said, “as it allows many more ECPs to confidently discuss myopia management options with their patients and provide them with take-home materials in their preferred language.”
The newly translated materials include:
Managing Myopia Guidelines Infographics: These bold, engaging infographics serve as a chairside reference guide for ECPs, detailing myopia risk factors, prescribing guidelines, follow-up schedules, and success metrics.
Additionally, they aid in communicating key topics to parents and patients, such as visual environmental advice, treatment options, the suitability of contact lenses for children, and the importance of myopia management.
Managing Myopia Patient Brochure: This brochure offers advice on healthy outdoor and close work time, contact lens wear risks and benefits, myopia control options, and the importance of myopia management. It provides a take-home summary for parents and carers that reinforces the infographic provided during the consultation. Additionally, it links via QR code to MyKidsVision.org for further information.
For free registration to Myopia Action Month, or to access the new language resources, visit myopiaprofile.com.
