Key Takeaways

  • The Myopia Collective expanded its network by 49% with the addition of 22 new Change Agents and its first Student Change Agent cohort
  • The organization will host its inaugural Day of Advocacy on June 18, 2026, to raise awareness of childhood myopia and the value of early intervention

The Myopia Collective, an initiative founded by CooperVision and the American Optometric Association (AOA) to advance childhood myopia management as a standard of care, has expanded its leadership network with the addition of 22 new Change Agents and the launch of its first Student Change Agent cohort.

According to the organization, the additions represent a 49% expansion of the network and are intended to strengthen efforts to increase education, engagement, and adoption of evidence-based myopia management across the eye care community. The announcement coincides with the introduction of the collective's inaugural Day of Advocacy, a global awareness campaign scheduled for June 18, 2026. The social media–driven initiative aims to elevate public and professional awareness of childhood myopia and the importance of early intervention.

“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, at 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.”

The Day of Advocacy will bring together Change Agents, Student Change Agents, partners, and advocates to share personal stories, clinical perspectives, and educational content using the hashtag #MyopiaAdvocacy2026. Organizers said the campaign is designed to create a unified global conversation focused on protecting children's long-term vision.

“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 AOA. “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.”

As part of their role, the newly selected Change Agents will attend a dedicated training workshop in November in Houston, Texas. The program is expected to provide practical guidance on implementing myopia management strategies in clinical practice while fostering collaboration among eye care professionals committed to advancing pediatric eye health.

The Myopia Collective was established to promote awareness, education, and adoption of myopia management approaches aimed at addressing the growing prevalence of childhood myopia. Additional information about membership, as well as a complete list of Change Agents and Student Change Agents, is available through the AOA.