Myopia Awareness Week to be Held May 13-19
Myopia Awareness Week (#maw2024) will be held May 13-19 and will feature the theme “Act Now, See Tomorrow.” The campaign intends to spread the word that myopia is affecting children worldwide but that practitioners have treatments to slow its progression. Eyecare professionals can access resources at bhvi.org/maw24.
LVPEI and CORE Sign Partnership Agreement for Vision Science and Therapeutic Development
L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) and the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo have entered into a strategic partnership to advance vision science research and therapeutic development, as well as to enhance eye care delivery on a global scale.
Structured as a memorandum of understanding, focus areas of the agreement include: joint research initiatives, encompassing collaborative research projects focused on cutting-edge solutions in vision science and eye health; therapeutic development, expediting the creation of new interventions to address some of the most challenging eye conditions affecting people worldwide; knowledge exchange and capacity building, facilitating cross-institutional sharing through joint seminars, workshops, and exchange programs for researchers and clinicians; and innovation in eye care, exploring novel approaches to delivery mechanisms while harnessing the latest technology and research to improve patient outcomes.
CooperVision and AOA Join Forces to Launch The Myopia Collective
CooperVision and the American Optometric Association (AOA) launched The Myopia Collective, a partnership to rally the optometry profession and its allies to elevate the standard of care for children with myopia, shifting focus from mere correction to embracing comprehensive treatment.
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. One or two Change Agents will be appointed per U.S. state and several territories, ensuring cross-country representation. Practitioners interested in integrating myopia management into their practices and driving positive change for children and their families are encouraged to apply by May 17.
Additionally, every individual within the optometric profession, regardless of credential or role, is encouraged to join The Myopia Collective as a member. Members will gain access to relevant educational opportunities and resources.
What Do You Want to See in Contact Lens Spectrum?
Each year, we survey our readership to solicit ideas for columns, articles, and continuing education and it is that time of year again! We really value your input as we get our most creative (and desired) content from each of you. We ask that you please take a few moments to complete the survey found here and thank you very much for your feedback.
WCO and CooperVision Partneron Myopia Management Navigator Educational Resource
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) is partnering with CooperVision to introduce an interactive, educational resource for eyecare practitioners worldwide. The WCO CooperVision Myopia Management Navigator (myopianavigator.info) takes practitioners on a journey through the three Ms of myopia management: mitigation, measurement, and management.
Each of the three sections of the website is linked to various elements of content and filled with advice and practical actions to explore in the form of “Myopia Moments,” webinars, and much more. The Navigator also serves as a ready resource in clinical settings to provide guidance for patients and families in discussions about myopia management.
Nominations Open for GSLS 2025 Awards
The GSLS is seeking nominations for its two awards that will be given out at the 2025 GSLS (Award of Excellence: https://bit.ly/3T5YAoc; Rising Star Award: https://bit.ly/3TaGstc).
GSLS Award of Excellence
The GSLS Award of Excellence was established in 2013. The award is given periodically by the GSLS Program Committee to a distinguished clinician, scholar, and/or scientist to recognize his or her lifelong achievements in the field of contact lenses, especially as they relate to specialty contact lenses. The individual(s) selected are recognized for their contributions to the field of contact lenses, including development, practice, translation of knowledge and education, and scholarly activity, all of which moved the field forward in seminal ways.
GSLS Rising Star Award
The GSLS Rising Star Award is intended to recognize an emerging leader in the field of cornea and contact lenses. The ideal candidate is within 10 years of receiving their degree or residency training and must demonstrate substantial contributions to the field, outside of what might normally be expected in this early phase of one’s career.
Nominations should include the names, title/affiliation/contact information, and a summary (up to 500 words) of why the nominee should be considered for the GSLS Award of Excellence or Rising Star Award. A copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae must also be included. All nominations, due by June 15, can be sent to GSLS Chair Jason Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, at jason.nichols@broadcastmed.com.