One of the first companies to seek commercial methods that could broadly address the issue of myopia management, resulting in the MiSight 1 day soft contact lens, CooperVision has brought a team of scientists, clinicians and executives to the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) clinical conference and exhibition this week.
Through a series of education panel discussions, scientific papers and posters, and workshops in Manchester, they will address common challenges and highlight opportunities for better outcomes for myopic children.
During the conference, which will draw global researchers, educators, and experts along with eyecare professionals (ECPs) and industry representatives from the UK, Europe and beyond, CooperVision is unveiling five-year clinical data that examines how its landmark MiSight 1 day soft contact lens has helped slow the progression of myopia in children.
Additionally, new CooperVision-commissioned survey data out of the UK and Australia indicates the need for education on myopia management options, helping ECPs and parents become more comfortable with using a contact lens approach to help manage the condition.
“Education is a common theme across our myopia management initiatives worldwide, especially when it comes to driving early intervention,” said James Gardner, vice president, global myopia management for CooperVision. “Providing clinical and consumer data, insights and tools relating to myopia management are essential. Our considerable presence at the BCLA is one more step in helping ECPs—and through them, parents—understand and overcome the challenges of myopia.”
The company stated that new CooperVision-commissioned research conducted in the UK shows clear pathways to helping parents understand and adopt a clinically proven myopia management option, such as MiSight 1 day contact lenses.
“Based on these surveys and discussions with ECPs, it’s clear that parents lack a basic awareness of what myopia is or its potential impact on the future health of their children’s eyes,” Gardner added. “There’s an unmistakable and urgent need for broad-based education about this worsening global issue.”