Agents from all states convened in Chicago from September 6-8 for The Myopia Collective’s inaugural Change Agent Workshop. The three-day event offered presentations on scientific advancements, educational seminars on community engagement, and networking opportunities, empowering participants with the knowledge and tools to enhance myopia management in their practices and strengthen their advocacy efforts.
Elevating a New Standard of Care for Children with Myopia
A collaboration between the American Optometric Association (AOA) and CooperVision, The Myopia Collective unites eye care professionals (ECPs), researchers, and advocates to shift the focus from merely 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," said Michele Andrews, OD, Vice President, Marketing and Professional Affairs, Americas, 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.”
Fueling Collaboration, Inspiration, and Leadership
The weekend kicked off with a 'Myopia Mile Walk,' where Change Agents led by example by promoting outdoor time, taking to the iconic Chicago Riverwalk before immersing themselves in educational sessions. Topics included proven techniques for growing a myopia management practice, strategies for state and federal outreach, and updates to the current landscape of children’s vision. Networking opportunities were both scheduled and organically fostered throughout the event, encouraging collaboration, inspiration, and mutual learning among participants.
“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,” said Jacquie Bowen, OD, AOA President-elect. “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.”
At the close of the workshop, the Change Agents were encouraged to channel the passion and energy from the weekend into their myopia management practices, extend their community outreach and advocacy efforts, and continue to draw on each other for advice, guidance, and inspiration.
Join The Collective
For more information about The Myopia Collective, including practice resources and how to become a member, please visit www.myopiacollective.org. You can also access additional myopia management resources and learnings at CooperVision’s Online Success Center.
