Key Takeaways
- The Myopia Collective has expanded its network by 49% with the addition of 22 new Change Agents and its inaugural Student Change Agent cohort
- The organization will host its first Day of Advocacy on June 18, 2026, uniting eye care professionals, students, and advocates worldwide to raise awareness of childhood myopia through the social media campaign #MyopiaAdvocacy2026.
The Myopia Collective, an initiative founded by CooperVision and the American Optometric Association (AOA) to advance childhood myopia management as a standard of care, announced the addition of 22 new "Change Agents" and the launch of its first-ever Student Change Agent cohort.
The additions represent a 49% expansion of the organization's network of advocates and leaders dedicated to increasing education, engagement, and adoption of evidence-based myopia management across the eye care profession.
“We received an overwhelming level of interest from doctors and students eager to participate this year, and we are grateful to all who applied,” said Jacquie M. Bowen, OD, President of the American Optometric Association. “As we continue to grow this movement, we encourage everyone to become a member of The Myopia Collective. Members receive updates and gain access to free educational opportunities, information, and resources to help the fight against childhood myopia.”
The Myopia Collective was established to help accelerate awareness and adoption of myopia management strategies as rates of childhood myopia continue to rise globally. Through education, advocacy, and professional collaboration, the initiative seeks to equip eye care professionals with resources to support earlier intervention and improved long-term visual outcomes for children.
As part of their role, newly selected Change Agents will participate in a dedicated training workshop in November in Houston, Texas. The program will provide practical guidance and peer collaboration opportunities designed to strengthen myopia management implementation in clinical practice while advancing children's eye health.
In addition to expanding its leadership network, The Myopia Collective announced plans for its first Day of Advocacy, scheduled for June 18, 2026. The global social media initiative is intended to raise awareness of childhood myopia and highlight the importance of early intervention. The campaign will bring together Change Agents, Student Change Agents, industry partners, and advocates worldwide to share personal experiences, clinical perspectives, and educational insights using the hashtag #MyopiaAdvocacy2026. Organizers hope the effort will spark a broader conversation about the long-term impact of myopia and the importance of proactive management.
“The Day of Advocacy is a powerful opportunity to elevate and unite voices across the optometric community and beyond,” said Jennifer Palombi, OD, FAAO, Director of Professional Affairs, Americas, CooperVision. “By sharing personal experiences, clinical insights, and their passion for patient care, our community will ignite meaningful dialogue around myopia and inspire a greater understanding of its long-term impact. Together, we will reinforce the importance of early intervention and help build a future where protecting children’s vision is a shared priority across the profession and communities we serve.”
For additional information about The Myopia Collective, membership opportunities, and the full list of Change Agents and Student Change Agents, visit AOA.org.
