Early Intervention in Myopia: Insights from Global Roundtables

A Growing Challenge

Myopia is one of the fastest-rising eye health challenges worldwide. Affecting children at younger ages and progressing more quickly than in previous generations, its consequences extend beyond vision impairment to long-term risks such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Tackling myopia early – before severe progression – is now an urgent global priority.

Global Consultations, Regional Leadership

To address this, the IAPB brought together more than 70 experts from some 25 countries in a series of four roundtables on early intervention in paediatric myopia. Held in Kathmandu, Madrid, Bangkok, and Tokyo, these consultations created a unique platform to share evidence, debate approaches, and identify advocacy priorities.

The Western Pacific featured prominently, with two roundtables convened in the region. In Bangkok, experts from across Asia explored policy levers and school-based interventions, while the Tokyo roundtable drew on Japan’s long-standing experience in tackling myopia through research and prevention strategies. Their insights reinforced the region’s leadership role in shaping global action.

Key Pillars for Action

Across the consultations, participants emphasised four interconnected pillars for early intervention in myopia:

• Prevention: Delaying onset through increased outdoor time, balanced screen use, and child-friendly urban planning.
• Early Detection: Identifying at-risk children early via school screening, teacher training, and strengthened referral systems.
• Control: Slowing progression with evidence-based interventions, including access to low-dose atropine and myopia control lenses.
• Systems: Embedding myopia within national eye health plans, strengthening the workforce, and fostering collaboration between health, education, and urban planning sectors.

Towards Action

The findings of the roundtables are now being consolidated into a policy brief, advocacy guide, and case studies. These resources will be launched at the 2026 APAO Congress in Hong Kong, and they will support governments, practitioners, and advocates to drive meaningful policy and practice change.

This initiative is supported by Santen.