Over 2,200 leading eye care experts participated to elevate standards in myopia management and shape the future of eye health in Asia
Singapore, 29 October 2024 – CooperVision, a global leader in myopia management, recently concluded the 4th Asia-Pacific Myopia Management Symposium (APMMS) in Seoul, South Korea. The event, in partnership with the Korean Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (KAPOS), drew over 2,200 participants, both in-person and virtually, from around the globe. Themed "Myopia Reframed: Shaping the Future of Eye Health," this pivotal symposium showcased advancements in pediatric myopia management, affirming its role as a premier platform for groundbreaking research and collaborative innovation within the eye care community.
Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Seung-Hee Baek, Director of the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Center at Kim’s Eye Hospital, and Kathy Park, President of CooperVision Asia Pacific. They emphasized a unified vision to tackle the rising prevalence of myopia in South Korea and throughout the region. The symposium also featured plenary presentations and interactive panel discussions led by a diverse lineup of global experts.
CooperVision shared the findings from its seven-year clinical study on MiSight® 1 day, the only U.S. FDA-approved soft contact lens to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment. Only MiSight® 1 day is proven to retain myopia control benefits after treatment has ended. Other modalities, such as atropine, have been shown to produce a rebound effect. MiSight® 1 day contact lenses are child friendly and easy to use with 9 out of 10 of children preferring MiSight® 1 day over their glasses.1
Additionally, a ten-year investigator-initiated study by Professor Nicola Logan from Aston University, UK, highlighted the safety of long-term daily disposable hydrogel soft contact lens wear, MiSight® 1 day. After 10 years of full-time wear, children in the MiSight® 1 day clinical study had clinically equivalent corneal endothelial function to non-contact lens wearers.2
Shila Gupta, Myopia Management General Manager at CooperVision Asia-Pacific, reflected on the symposium's impact: “APMMS 2024 has been a pivotal event in advancing myopia management across the APAC region. By highlighting advancements, including our seven-year clinical study and ten-year investigator-initiated study on MiSight® 1 day, we are reaffirming our commitment to setting new benchmarks in eye care. We are honored to host APMMS for the 4th consecutive year and to partner with KAPOS, furthering our commitment to driving progress in myopia management and fostering collaboration within the eye care community.”
The symposium featured a series of engaging sessions with distinguished speakers:
- Paradigm Shifts in Understanding Myopia: This session delved into the latest research on myopia’s causes and its broader implications for vision health. Key presentations included real-world case studies by Professor Pei Chang Wu, Director of the Myopia Prevention and Treatment Center at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan.
- Gold Standard in Myopia Interventions: Attendees discovered advanced strategies for myopia management, including innovative approaches and real-world applications. Dr. Maria Liu, Associate Professor at UC Berkeley School of Optometry, USA, shared insights on megatrends in myopia management and the rise of soft contact lenses. Professor Ian Flitcroft, Pediatric Ophthalmologist and Vision Scientist at the Centre for Eye Research in Dublin, Ireland, explored Western trials and the growing evidence for low-dose atropine in Asia.
- The Future of Myopia Management: This session highlighted the integration of digital tools and advanced strategies for myopia control. Dr. Li Lian Foo, Consultant in the Cataract and Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department, and Dr. Wei Yan Ng, Consultant in the Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Department, both from Singapore National Eye Centre, discussed the international framework for contact lens myopia management and the role of digitalization.
Reflecting on the event, Dr. Hae-Jung Paik, President of KAPOS and Korean Myopia Society, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Korea, remarked, “The 4th APMMS has been a landmark moment in shaping the future of myopia management in Korea. By facilitating an invaluable exchange of knowledge between Korean and global experts, we are setting new standards in myopia care and paving the way for a brighter future in children’s eye health. I am also pleased to announce that KAPOS has established a new arm, the Korea Myopia Society (KMS), specifically focused on myopia management. KMS aims to enhance myopia awareness, advance clinical understanding, and support eye care professionals in managing myopia more effectively.”
For additional information and to access materials from APMMS 2024, please visit: APMMS 2024 Event Page.
About CooperVision
CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (Nasdaq:COO), is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of contact lenses. The company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly soft contact lenses that feature advanced materials and optics, and premium rigid gas permeable lenses for orthokeratology and scleral designs. CooperVision has a strong heritage of addressing the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia, childhood Myopia, and highly irregular corneas; and offers the most complete portfolio of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com.
About CooperCompanies
CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO) is a leading global medical device company focused on improving lives one person at a time. The Company operates through two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision is a trusted leader in the contact lens industry, improving the vision of millions of people every day. CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women’s health company dedicated to assisting women, babies and families at the healthcare moments that matter most. Headquartered in San Ramon, CA, CooperCompanies has a workforce of more than 15,000 with products sold in over 130 countries. For more information, please visit www.coopercos.com.
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References:
- Chamberlain P, Arumugam B, et al. Myopia progression on cessation of Dual-Focus contact lens wear: MiSight 1 day 7 year findings. Optom Vis Sci 2021
- CVI data on file 2024, Long-term impact of daily disposable hydrogel soft contact lenses on corneal endothelium in children