Children and their families experienced what it is like to be nearsighted while riding the Ferris Wheel at Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier this past weekend in a creative convergence of education and entertainment courtesy of CooperVision. The interactive experience blended child-oriented activities and educational experiences for parents and children, offering opportunities to engage with local eye care professionals (ECPs). This event elevated myopia progression education to new heights and marks the first in a series of experiences to follow.
“Our goal was to create a memorable event with a surprising element for the Chicago community, providing an interactive platform where parents and children could learn about myopia, myopia control, and management options,” said Louise Curcio, FAAO, Director of Myopia Management, CooperVision, Americas. “CooperVision is branching out in creative ways to effectively reach and educate a diverse audience while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children’s vision. We eagerly anticipate launching similar events in select locations across the U.S.”
A variety of unique, experiential attractions were offered courtesy of CooperVision and MiSight® 1 day. Complimentary rides on Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel let participants gain firsthand insight into the effects of myopia, thanks to custom viewfinders available in the gondolas. The transparent devices replicated myopia at different levels, enabling riders to view the city skyline as if they were living with the progressive condition. Riders were also encouraged to test their vision with a ‘MiSpy’ sightseeing game, which challenged them to locate several objects along the pier and throughout the city.
In addition, ECPs from the greater Chicago area were stationed onsite throughout the day to provide parents with expert insights into myopia control and management options, address their questions, and encourage them to schedule comprehensive eye exams for their children. Participating ECPs included Dr. Greg Pappas from SoLo Eye Care, Dr. Michelle Man from North Suburban Vision Consultants, Dr. Matthew Hsia from NorthShore University Health System, and Dr. Janelle Sventek from Wink Optical.
"This was a fantastic opportunity to connect with our Chicago community," said Dr. Pappas. "As ECPs, we want to empower parents to take control of their child's progressing myopia, and CooperVision has amplified this need in a fun and engaging way. Building connections with these families was truly a rewarding experience."
MiSight® 1 day is the first and only soft contact lens approved by the FDA* to both correct vision and slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment. †‡1 For more information, please visit www.coopervision.com.
*Only FDA approved soft contact lens designed for myopia control in the U.S.
†U.S. Indications for Use: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters (spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal.
‡Compared to a single vision 1-day lens over a 3-year period.
1. Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019;96(8)556-567.
