Coopervision pushes myopia control as standard care in Asia-Pacific

MyDay MiSight toric lenses launching in APAC first will reach 40% more children than current options.

Childhood myopia care in Asia-Pacific is expected to move away from single-vision correction toward evidence-based myopia control, as clinicians and industry players push earlier intervention for children.

In an interview during the Asia-Pacific Myopia Management Symposium, Tacy Song, the Asia Pacific Head of Professional Affairs and Myopia Management at CooperVision in Singapore, said the biggest shift should be making myopia control the standard of care. “Myopia is becoming an increasingly important topic,” Song said.

Song said the goal is to move from single vision to myopia control so “every child” can receive evidence-based treatment for better long-term vision. That shift would make slowing progression part of routine childhood eye care rather than an optional add-on.

New contact lens technology could also improve outcomes for young patients. CooperVision launched MyDay MiSight 1 Day in Australia earlier this year. Song said the lens uses MyDay material, which allows more oxygen to pass through the lens to reach the cornea.

The aim is to improve comfort so children can wear the lenses for longer periods. “What we're hoping is that it will be more comfortable for the child to wear it for a longer period of time,” Song said.

CooperVision is also planning to launch MyDay MiSight toric lenses in Asia-Pacific next year, with the region set to be the first to receive the product. Song said the launch matters because Asian eye anatomy can differ from Western populations, including tighter eyes and thicker eyelids.

“With the MyDay MiSight toric lenses, we are going to be able to serve 40% more children,” Song said, adding that the figure is 50% higher than in Western populations.

To prevent myopia earlier, Song said clinicians and industry should work together on education, research and public awareness campaigns. Companies can support training and innovation, whilst clinicians can improve early detection and parent understanding.

For Song, wider adoption will depend on making myopia management more accessible and affordable for families.