The Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) and Review of Myopia Management will once again be partnering for the 2026 edition of Myopia Awareness Week, which will run from 18–24 May.
This year, Myopia Awareness Week will build on the recent work by the International Myopia Institute, including its white paper on the role of light in myopia.
The partnership said Myopia Awareness Week, with its theme of ‘Start Early, Protect Vision for Life!’, aims to spotlight the critical role of early detection and intervention, as well as key lifestyle factors, in reducing the growing burden of myopia worldwide.
Studies predict that the global prevalence of myopia will reach 50% of the world’s population, or five billion people in 2050.1
This year, we are bringing in a greater public health focus to the campaign, equipping clinicians with resources to help raise awareness of myopia
The organisations said they were focusing on three clear actions: booking regular eye exams for school-aged children; encouraging daily outdoor play for a minimum of two to three hours; and continuing to spread the word about myopia and effects on eye health.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Review of Myopia Management for the third consecutive year for this globally important eye health initiative,” said Yvette Waddell, CEO at BHVI.
“Each year, we are reaching more clinicians, increasing awareness of myopia and its impact on eye health, while also highlighting the growing opportunities for clinicians to manage, and slow its progression in their patients.
“This year, we are bringing in a greater public health focus to the campaign, equipping clinicians with resources to help raise awareness of myopia among the public and the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of school-aged children developing it.”
Get Involved
“Myopia Awareness Week is more than just a campaign – it is a coordinated effort to protect the vision and futures of the next generation,” said Kristen Dalli, executive editor of Review of Myopia Management.
“We all know that early myopia intervention is key to long-term eye health, and getting involved in Myopia Awareness Week further solidifies that message. The changes we make today mean we can prevent the onset or slow the progression of myopia and see longer tomorrow.”
For eye care professionals (ECPs), BHVI said it will release a new feature for its Myopia Calculator, enhancing the capabilities of the Risk of Myopia function to assist clinicians in having more informed, meaningful, and ultimately impactful conversations with patients who may be at risk of developing myopia due to genetic and lifestyle factors.
ECPs are also encouraged to share key messages, and the organisations are releasing a complimentary campaign toolkit of ready-to-use graphics, posters, and educational resources.
Visit bhvi.org/maw-supporter-signup for details.
Reference
- Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, et al. Global prevalence of myopia and high myopia and temporal trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology 2016;123(5):1036-42.
