In the contemporary society, with the rapid proliferation of the internet and the extensive application of electronic devices, vision health issues have become increasingly prominent. The escalating rate of myopia, particularly among children and adolescents, has emerged as a formidable global public health challenge. Recent statistics indicate that 2.7 billion people worldwide are grappling with uncorrected poor vision, one-third of whom are children, and a staggering 600 million of these individuals are in China. The overall myopia rate among Chinese children and adolescents stands at a record 52.7%, and is occurring at younger ages.
During the 19th International Myopia Conference (IMC), Lim Kok Leong, Head of Professional Solutions for Greater China at EssilorLuxottica, underscored the urgency of addressing this issue: "Myopia prevention and control is not merely about treatment after it occurs. Prevention is just as crucial as intervention, especially for children and adolescents. We need to take early action to safeguard their vision for a lifetime."
Lim Kok Leong, Head of Professional Solutions for Greater China at EssilorLuxottica
These alarming figures reveal several critical issues. On one hand, the public's awareness of eye care requires significant enhancement. Many parents and children do not pay sufficient attention to vision problems until symptoms manifest. Furthermore, the uneven distribution of optometric resources exacerbates the problem. Children in remote areas often have limited access to professional vision services. For instance, left-behind children, who spend excessive time on electronic devices without parental supervision, seldom receive necessary eye screenings or appropriate vision care. Additionally, poor living conditions, such as inadequate indoor lighting and prolonged exposure to sunlight without proper protection, contribute to both myopia and an increased risk of cataracts among older individuals.
Lim emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to tackle these challenges: "A comprehensive solution necessitates the involvement of all sectors—optical companies, medical, research & education institutions, government and media must unite to provide the best myopia prevention and control services for children."
EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in eyecare and eyewear, has been at the forefront of innovation in myopia management and committed to developing a more scientific, professional, and personalized approach to managing myopia. While many clinical studies focus on post-diagnosis treatment, Lim noted that the company advocates for a holistic myopia management approach that encompasses professional education and awareness, screening, diagnosis, total solutions, and regular follow-up. In terms of education on professionals and general public, its LEONARDO platform offers cutting-edge learning materials for optometrists in China, while the group has launched the engaging "Eyestar Mission（视觉星球挑战）", a project designed to educate children, adolescents, and their parents about myopia prevention.
Eyestar Mission offline activities are continuously rolled out across the country
"Innovative education and solutions are key," Lim said, "Long-term, effective myopia prevention also relies on evidence-based medicine. Compared to single lenses, when worn 12 hours a day, Essilor® Stellest® lenses slow down myopia progression by 67% on average*. We are now expanding our efforts to prevent myopia in children who have not yet developed it, as well as in younger age groups."
In terms of myopia prevention measures, EssilorLuxottica will support the Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Institute's "Integrated Graded Myopia Intervention" project, which will conduct early screening and graded interventions across trial primary schools in 16 districts. This initiative tailors myopia interventions based on the individual's refractive state. For example, children with sufficient hyperopia reserves are encouraged to maintain healthy eye habits and engage in outdoor activities, while those with pre-myopia or low-to-moderate myopia will receive defocus lens interventions to prevent further deterioration.
"Every child deserves clear vision, and the earlier we initiate intervention, the better the outcome," said Lim.
EssilorLuxottica advocates for a holistic myopia management approach
In addition to addressing myopia management, EssilorLuxottica has been a strong advocate for collaborative partnerships within the vision health ecosystem. Lim pointed to several of the company's initiatives, including the support for the publication of multiple editions of the "Myopia Management White Paper" and support for the "Young Optometry Doctor Alliance" established by Fudan University's affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital.
Through the EyeQPro, a netural science popularization platform, EssilorLuxottica also provides education to ecosystem partners by linking experts with educational resources from professional associations. Lim added that the company is committed to strengthening public awareness, as evidenced by its initiation of vision health education in Shanghai Songjiang's summer care classes and the launch of Oakley Run outdoor events, which engage families and help parents understand the importance of myopia prevention and control.
Furthermore, dedicated to fulfilling its mission to help people see more and be more, EssilorLuxottica's philanthropic efforts are noteworthy. Since the establishment of its foundation, the company's charitable endeavors have reached 28 provinces and cities across China, providing vision screenings to over 3.2 million people and donating 530,000 pairs of eyeglasses to children, adolescents, and the elderly.
"In a rural area, we assisted a young girl who had developed severe myopia. After she put on her new glasses, she exclaimed, 'I can finally see clearly!' It was a moment that reminded us of the profound impact our work can have on people’s lives", said Lim as recounted the memorable incident, "Actually, I believe that many people in EssilorLuxottica, including me, were attracted to this firm and clear mission".
As an "old friend" of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), EssilorLuxottica has been participating in CIIE for the 7th consecutive year. Every year, the group showcases its latest technologies and products, and this year is no exception.
Lim stated, "Guided by 14th Five-Year Plan for National Eye Health, 'Full Life Cycle Vision Health' has long been our commitment and working direction. This year, we will highlight innovative total solutions covering all age groups on CIIE. We also hope to showcase the results of the IMC conference on myopia prevention and transform theoretical achievements into practical products, empowering innovation to benefit Chinese consumers."
Lim Kok Leong introduces latest vision care concepts and technologies at CIIE
For example, the Stellest lens, which was first introduced at the CIIE in 2020, has seen great success in the Chinese market and has since been launched in other markets. This year, EssilorLuxottica plans to exhibit the plano Stellest lens at the CIIE and share more advanced research findings. The company hopes that the new concepts and products presented at the CIIE will not only benefit Chinese consumers but also contribute to the global fight against myopia.
EssilorLuxottica is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and social responsibility in vision health. "Our goal is to bring clearer, brighter vision to as many people as possible," Lim concluded. "Together with the support of ecosystem partners, we can build a brighter future where every child has the chance to grow up with healthy eyes."
Vision health is not just a medical issue, it affects everyone's quality of life and future development. EssilorLuxottica calls on the public to raise awareness, promote education, and take collective action to ensure a bright future for the next generation.
*Spectacle Lenses With Aspherical Lenslets for Myopia Control vs Single-Vision Spectacle Lenses: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. 140(5), 472–478. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2022.0401.
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