Sept. 26, 2024 — The Myopia Collective held its inaugural Change Agent Workshop in Chicago Sept. 6-8, gathering eyecare professionals from across the country. The three-day event focused on advancing myopia management through scientific presentations, educational seminars, and networking sessions, equipping participants with tools to enhance their practices and advocacy efforts. A joint initiative by the American Optometric Association (AOA) and CooperVision, The Myopia Collective aims to shift the focus from correcting myopia to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for children.

"The passion and energy of this Change Agent cohort truly brought this initiative to life," says Michele Andrews, O.D., vice president of marketing and professional affairs at CooperVision. "The workshop marked a pivotal moment for The Myopia Collective, as it provided ECPs with the resources needed to drive meaningful change and innovation in myopia management within their practices and communities.”

The event opened with a "Myopia Mile Walk" along the Chicago Riverwalk, promoting the benefits of outdoor time for eye health, before transitioning into educational sessions. Topics included expanding myopia management practices, strategies for state and federal advocacy, and updates on children’s vision care.

“The community we've built is one of The Myopia Collective’s greatest assets and we deeply appreciate Change Agents’ openness and enthusiasm throughout the weekend, which helped strengthen and cultivate those valuable relationships,” says AOA president-elect Jacquie Bowen, O.D. “The Change Agents are integral to a larger movement, each with the potential to inspire change individually, but together, they hold the power to advocate for a profound and lasting impact.”