ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 7, 2026—CooperVision and the American Optometric Association (AOA) today opened applications for 17 new Change Agents positions across 15 states as part of the continued expansion of The Myopia Collective, the organizations’ national initiative to deliver the standard of care for children with myopia.1 For the first time, the program will also welcome Student Change Agents from across the nation’s optometry schools, selecting one rising fourth‑year leader from each of the 24 institutions to take action early and strengthen the movement’s long‑term impact.
Change Agents serve as state‑level ambassadors, receiving specialized training in myopia management while advocating for improved pediatric eye health in their practices and communities. This year, the program is seeking Change Agents in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington. Although the Change Agent placements are focused in select states, the Student Change Agent program is open nationwide. Applications for both optometrists and students should be submitted online by April 27, 2026.
“We’re seeing tremendous interest from optometry students who are experiencing myopia management in both the classroom and the clinic, and eager to get involved,” said Jennifer Palombi, OD, FAAO, Director, Professional Affairs, Americas, CooperVision. “By welcoming Student Change Agents, we’re providing this next generation an opportunity to learn alongside experienced optometrists while preparing to bring myopia care into their own practices after graduation.”
Since its launch in 2024, The Myopia Collective has grown to more than 3,500 members and built a network of over 70 trained Change Agents. Through workshops and ongoing collaboration, these leaders are helping expand awareness of evidence-based myopia management across every U.S. state and Washington, D.C.
The AOA and CooperVision will announce the new Change Agents and Student Change Agents—along with additional program updates—in conjunction with Optometry’s Meeting in Phoenix, AZ, June 17–20, 2026. In addition, all Change Agents will participate in a dedicated training workshop this November in Houston, TX, where they will gain novel and practical guidance on improving myopia management adoption in their practices while collaborating with peers to further advance children’s eye health.
“The Myopia Collective is showing what the profession can achieve when we come together,” said Jacquie M. Bowen, O.D., President, American Optometric Association. “The alarming undertreatment of myopia calls for decisive action, and expanding this initiative strengthens our capacity to respond. By empowering experienced optometrists and emerging student leaders
alike, we are reinforcing the clinical expertise, advocacy strength, and professional collaboration needed to ensure that children everywhere have access to the comprehensive care they deserve.”
For additional details about The Myopia Collective and to apply for a Change Agent or Student Change Agent position, visit: https://www.aoa.org/member-center/the-myopia-collective.
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About The American Optometric Association
The American Optometric Association (AOA) represents more than 50,000 doctors of optometry, students and professionals who provide the majority of eye health and vision care in over 10,000 U.S. communities. As the leading voice for quality eye care, the AOA advances the profession through cutting-edge education [aoa.org], practice-changing resources [aoa.org], singular advocacy [aoa.org], and public education about the profession [aoa.org], ensuring patients nationwide have trusted access to essential, in-person eye health and vision care with member doctors of optometry.
About CooperVision
CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (Nasdaq:COO), is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of contact lenses. The company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly soft contact lenses that feature advanced materials and optics, and premium rigid gas permeable lenses for orthokeratology and scleral designs. CooperVision has a strong heritage of addressing the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia, childhood myopia, and highly irregular corneas; and offers the most complete portfolio of spherical, toric, and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com.
About CooperCompanies
CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO) is a leading global medical device company focused on helping people experience life’s beautiful moments through its two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision is a trusted leader in the contact lens industry, helping to improve the way people see each day. CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women’s healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, babies, and families at the healthcare moments that matter most. Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., CooperCompanies has a workforce of more than 15,000, sells products in over 130 countries, and positively impacts over fifty million lives each year. For more information, please visit www.coopercos.com.
Media Contact
Laura DiCaprio, Senior Counselor
McDougall Communications for CooperVision
Laura@mcdougallpr.com or +1-585-434-2153
1. Resolution: The standard of care for Myopia Management by Optometrists. World Council of Optometry. (2021, May 17). https://worldcouncilofoptometry.info/resolution-the-standard-of-care-for-myopia-management-by-optometrists.
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