As the prevalence of childhood myopia continues to rise,1,2 the need for a unified, proactive approach to myopia management has never been more urgent. That’s why CooperVision, in partnership with the American Optometric Association (AOA), launched The Myopia Collective—a national initiative designed to elevate myopia care through collaboration, education, and advocacy.
In a recent episode of The Myopia Mindset podcast, Dr. Justin Kwan, Head of Myopia Management at CooperVision, joined Dr. Tiffany Martinez and Dr. Shelby Johnson, both Change Agents of The Myopia Collective, to discuss how this initiative is reshaping the future of optometric care.
What is The Myopia Collective?
The Myopia Collective is a growing movement that brings together optometrists, educators, students, staff, and even parents to address the myopia epidemic. With an estimated 19.5 million children in the U.S. affected by myopia,3 the Collective supports the eye care community to take a stand: myopia management must become a standard part of primary eye care—not just a specialty.
CooperVision plays a central role in this initiative, not only by providing clinical and educational resources but also by helping to build a nationwide network of support. Through this partnership with the AOA, the Collective empowers eye care professionals to take action—whether that means treating their first child with myopia, mentoring others, or advocating for early detection policies.
The Role of Change Agents
A cornerstone of the Myopia Collective is its network of Change Agents—optometrists who serve as mentors, educators, and advocates in their communities. Dr. Martinez and Dr. Johnson are two such leaders who shared their personal journeys on the podcast:
- Dr. Tiffany Martinez, a practicing optometrist in New Mexico, emphasized the importance of collaboration over competition.
- Dr. Shelby Johnson, Associate Clinical Professor at SUNY College of Optometry, highlighted how the Collective is helping students gain confidence in myopia management. She explained how even those who don’t plan to specialize can still make a meaningful impact and are encouraged to explore myopia management early in their training.
What You’ll Hear in the Podcast
This episode explores:
- The importance of making myopia management more accessible and less intimidating for new practitioners
- How OD-to-OD referrals and mentorship are reducing barriers to entry
- The role of advocacy in expanding access and awareness
- Real-world stories of patient impact and professional growth
During the conversation, Dr. Kwan emphasized a key mindset shift for the profession:
“We need to take it from a specialty to part of what we do. Myopia management should be as routine as talking about cataracts or computer vision syndrome. It’s time to demystify it.”
He added, “You could wait to start doing this—but don’t wait too long. The need is greater than ever.”
Whether you're a seasoned ECP or just beginning your journey in myopia management, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.
Listen to the full episode here
Ready to be part of the movement? Join the Myopia Collective today!
