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<\/a><\/a>\n\u201cChildren rarely realize anything is wrong with their vision \u2013 they assume everyone sees the world the way they do, so it often goes unspoken,\u201d says Dr. Allison Scott, CAO President. \u201cThat's why parents are so often surprised when we diagnose a vision problem. A comprehensive eye exam is the surest way to catch these 'invisible' issues early \u2013 and early detection is what gives a child the clear vision they need to thrive at school and beyond.\u201d<\/p>
\nCAO\u2019s campaign aims to boost public awareness about children\u2019s vision care through a simple yet potent message: Myopia Can Hide in Plain Sight. It will run throughout August on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube in English and French, and is supported by New Brunswick Association of Optometrists<\/a>, Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists<\/a>, and The Prince Edward Island Association of Optometrists<\/a>, and industry sponsors - Alcon<\/a> and CooperVision<\/a>.<\/p> \nIt is never too soon to see an optometrist<\/b><\/p> \nAs a child grows, so do their eyes, and eye conditions can develop quickly \u2013 so it is important to set a baseline as soon as possible. Optometrists frequently encounter \u2018invisible\u2019 eye issues, especially myopia a.k.a nearsightedness \u2013 an increasingly common eye disease among children.<\/p> \nThis is why the CAO recommends that parents schedule comprehensive eye exams for their children starting at six to nine months, then again between the ages of two and five years, and annually thereafter to age 19. After 19, eye development stabilizes, allowing eye exams every two years for healthy adults with no known eye conditions.<\/p> \nEye exams are crucial, even if no symptoms are evident, to catch potential issues early and ensure timely intervention.<\/p> \nFighting Myopia, one of the leading causes of vision loss in the world1<\/sup><\/b><\/p> \nDetecting myopia early on means taking measures right away to halt or slow the progression. People with myopia will have trouble seeing distant objects, such as road signs, whiteboards, movie screens and TVs. Myopia has both a genetic and environmental component, including increased near work and screen time among children.<\/p> \nResearch shows that myopia occurs at earlier ages, starting in childhood (6-7 years of age) and progressing at a more rapid rate than in previous generations. This is concerning, given that high levels of myopia can lead to sight-threatening conditions, including retinal detachments, cataracts, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. By 2050, the prevalence of myopia is estimated to increase to 50% of the world\u2019s population2<\/sup>.<\/p> \n\u201cWe know that clear vision is the cornerstone of a child\u2019s ability to learn, grow, and build confidence,\u201d according to Vanessa Johari Hansen, Country Business Unit Head, Vision Care, at Alcon Canada. \u201cAlcon is proud to support the Canadian Association of Optometrists\u2019 campaign, empowering families to prioritize regular comprehensive eye exams, so children can See Brilliantly and Learn Brilliantly.\u201d<\/p> \nFocusing on prevention, early detection and timely treatment of vision problems set the foundation for lifelong eye health, and beyond.<\/p> \n\u201cMyopia can significantly impact a child\u2019s ability to engage fully in daily life, even in the short term. While correcting vision is important, it\u2019s only part of the solution. Myopia often progresses as children grow,\u201d said Enrique Contreras, Country Manager at CooperVision Canada. \u201cAs a global leader in myopia management for children, we are dedicated to offering innovative solutions designed to slow that progression, helping to reduce the risk of serious vision complications later in life.\u201d<\/p> \nMaintaining good habits beyond the optometrist\u2019s exam room will also help minimize the impact of myopia. Spending more time outdoors and limiting screen time are beneficial for healthy development, both for ocular health as well as overall health.<\/p> \nVisit: opto.ca\/the-blur<\/a> for more about CAO\u2019s awareness campaign.<\/p> \nAbout the Canadian Association of Optometrists<\/b><\/p> \nThe Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) is the national voice of optometry. Optometrists are independent primary health care providers and represent the front line of vision health. Optometrists practice in a range of settings: most work in private practice, others work in clinics, hospitals, community health centres, corporate optometry, research, teaching, and administration. Recognized at home and internationally as a leading advocate for the profession, CAO provides leadership and support to its +8,400 members (Optometrists, Students, and Optometric Assistants) to enhance the delivery of healthy eyes and clear vision for all Canadians. For more information, visit www.opto.ca<\/a>.<\/p> \nAbout Alcon<\/b><\/p> \nAlcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people\u2019s lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.ca<\/a>.<\/p> \nAbout CooperVision<\/b><\/p> \nCooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO), is a global leader in contact lens innovation, dedicated to advancing vision at every stage of life. The company offers one of the industry\u2019s most comprehensive portfolios of soft and specialty contact lenses\u2014including daily disposable, two-week and monthly options\u2014with high\u2011performance materials and optics across spherical, toric, and multifocal designs. With a strong heritage of addressing complex vision challenges such as childhood myopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, and irregular corneas, CooperVision combines purposeful research and development, state\u2011of\u2011the\u2011art manufacturing, and deep practitioner partnerships to deliver clinically advanced solutions. Decades of experience and insight continue to shape the eye care profession and create meaningful advantages for both practitioners and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.ca<\/a>.<\/p> \n\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n \n \u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 1<\/sup> Bourne RR, Stevens GA, White RA, Smith JL, Flaxman SR, Price H, et al. Causes of vision loss worldwide, 1990-2010: a systematic analysis. Lancet Glob Health. 2013;1(6):e339-49.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 2<\/sup> Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, Jong M, Naidoo KS, Sankaridurg P, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-42.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>