Over Sixty Eye Care Professionals Appointed to Spearhead Myopia Management Advocacy Across the Nation
NASHVILLE, June 19, 2024—The commitment to advance the standard of care for children with myopia took a significant step forward today, with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and CooperVision announcing the inaugural cohort of Change Agents for The Myopia Collective. The news coincides with Optometry’s Meeting in Nashville, among the profession’s foremost leaders, clinicians, executives, educators, and students.
This groundbreaking partnership aims to rally the optometry profession and its allies to shift the focus on myopia from mere correction to comprehensive treatment. Over sixty eye care professionals (ECPs) were appointed as Change Agents, with individuals from each U.S. state ensuring nationwide representation. A comprehensive list is available on The Myopia Collective’s website at AOA.org.
“Change Agents will be the driving force behind The Myopia Collective, receiving specialized training in myopia management and leading legislative and advocacy initiatives in their communities,” said Michele Andrews, OD, Vice President, Marketing and Professional Affairs, Americas, CooperVision. “The enthusiasm from those who applied has been remarkable, with interest pouring in nationwide. We are excited to watch this initial group lead the charge in shaping a pivotal moment for children’s eye health.”
In September, Change Agents will participate in a multi-day workshop in Chicago, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to integrate myopia management more effectively into their practices and advocate on behalf of The Myopia Collective. Topics include proven techniques for growing a myopia management practice, strategies for state and federal outreach, and updates on the current landscape of children’s vision. Change Agents will also share how to engage other healthcare professionals, legislators, and community members that look after children.
“The training provided to the Change Agents will empower them to lead the charge in their communities and make significant differences in the lives of children with myopia,” said AOA President Steven Reed, OD. “However, Change Agents are just one part of this pivotal initiative, with the other being the entire U.S. optometry community. We invite everyone to become Members of The Myopia Collective, symbolizing a unified dedication to advancing myopia management across the profession. Members will gain access to valuable educational resources, receive exclusive insights on best practices, and be among the first to receive community news and updates.”
For more information about The Myopia Collective, including information about how to become a member, please visit the AOA’s Website.
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About the American Optometric Association
The American Optometric Association (AOA) is the leading authority on and advocate for quality eye health care, representing more than 49,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and optometric professionals. As the sole primary eye care provider in many communities across America, doctors of optometry are often a patient's first entry point into the health care system, and have extensive, ongoing training to examine, diagnose, treat, and manage disorders, diseases, and injuries that affect the eye and visual system. Through a nationwide public health initiative, AOA's Eye Deserve More campaign is fostering awareness of the importance of eye health and vision care and the overall health benefits of in-person, comprehensive eye examinations with AOA doctors of optometry for all Americans.
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 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 improving lives one person at a time. The Company operates through two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision is a trusted leader in the contact lens industry, improving the vision of millions of people every day. CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women’s health company dedicated to assisting 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 with products sold in over 130 countries. For more information, visit www.coopercos.com
Media Contact
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McDougall Communications for CooperVision
Laura@mcdougallpr.com or +1-585-434-2153