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Optometry Australia is delighted to announce it has joined the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) as an association member.
A collective of leading ophthalmic companies and eye health associations dedicated to raising awareness about the increasing prevalence and impact of myopia, GMAC’s purpose is to promote public awareness of myopia in children as a treatable disease, encourage parents to regularly get comprehensive eye exams for their children, and advocate for the use of treatments that have been shown to slow the progression of myopia.
By 2050 it is estimated that around 55 percent of Aussies will be living with myopia with rates amongst younger Australians increasing sharply.
In alignment with its recently released position statement on myopia management, Optometry Australia’s support of GMAC’s mission further recognises the organisation’s stance on the critical need to take proactive measures to reduce the local and global impact of myopia.
‘We welcome the opportunity to partner with the ophthalmic sector and eye health associations internationally to increase awareness of the increasing prevalence and consequences of myopia, and of the plethora of management options available,’ said Skye Cappuccio, CEO of Optometry Australia.
As well as educating parents and children on the importance of early and regular eye exams and encouraging them to follow treatment recommendations from their eye care professionals, GMAC and Optometry Australia continue to advocate for children to spend more time outdoors and reduce their screen time.
For more information about GMAC, visit its website here.
Myopia resources for optometry patients can be found at Good vision for life.