A Global Call to Action in the Heart of Paris

As myopia rates surge worldwide—becoming a pressing issue in both Asia and the West—the Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Innovation (CCOI) Myopia Workshop is set to kickstart pivotal discussions on September 8, 2025, in the enchanting city of Paris. This historical workshop marks CCOI’s first venture outside the United States, emphasizing the urgent need for a unified response to this growing epidemic.

Expert Insights from Assoc Prof Daniel Ting

To give us a glimpse into the workshop's agenda, we spoke with Assoc Prof Daniel Ting, the program's co-chair and a prominent figure in the field. Ting, a senior consultant at the Singapore National Eye Centre and an associate professor at SingHealth Duke-NUS, combines his clinical expertise with a strong focus on AI innovations in eye care. He is eager to share insights on how to harmonize global efforts in myopia care.

"Myopia is now recognized not just as a regional concern but a global health crisis," said Ting. "This workshop is a vital opportunity to bring together diverse strategies from various countries, focusing on everything from clinical trials to innovative treatment options. We're talking about cutting-edge developments like new lenses, specialized eye drops, and even light therapy. And we need to ensure that safety is at the forefront of our discussions."

Urgent Research Priorities to Combat Myopia

When it comes to addressing myopia progression, clarity on treatment effectiveness is crucial. "Determining the right endpoints for clinical trials is one of our top priorities," Ting emphasized. Even a partial success from the workshop's discussions could significantly advance understanding in this area.

Learning from Singapore: A Model for Prevention

Singapore has been a pioneer in combating myopia through public health initiatives for over two decades. "Our proactive approach includes early screenings for children as young as five and collaborations across various institutions to gather crucial data," said Ting. The goal? Prevention.

"We emphasize outdoor activities, reducing screen time, and immediate intervention—like prescribing glasses to prevent complications such as amblyopia." And Singapore is also exploring drug treatments like atropine eye drops, tweaking concentrations for optimal effectiveness.

Collaborative Innovation: The Key to Effective Myopia Management

One of the workshop’s core missions is to foster interdisciplinary partnerships among clinicians, AI scientists, and policymakers. Ting believes that bringing these diverse stakeholders together is essential to tackle the complexities of myopia care.

"The implications of high myopia extend beyond vision issues; they can lead to serious complications like glaucoma or retinal detachment. It’s crucial for different sectors—education and healthcare—to collaborate on funding and policies that promote effective myopia management."

Through this workshop, the hope is not only to advance research and clinical practices but also to drive equitable access to innovative myopia care solutions. "We aim for a future where all patients benefit from the latest advancements in eye care, regardless of their background," Ting concluded.

Keep an Eye on the Future

The CCOI Myopia Workshop promises to be a landmark event in the fight against a global health crisis. As experts gather in Paris, the discussions that unfold may redefine the trajectory of myopia management, paving the way for healthier futures across the globe. Stay tuned for groundbreaking insights and the launch of new initiatives that could change how we address myopia.