Optometrists were identified as the primary source of information about myopia management in a survey commissioned by Myopia Focus. The public facing information website has released its second annual report into parental awareness and attitudes in the UK, which aimed to build on insight gained last year.
Jason Higginbotham, managing editor at Myopia Focus, said: ‘Our survey reveals a critical need for increased education and awareness around myopia management. Optometrists play a pivotal role, but we must expand our efforts to ensure parents understand the serious long-term risks of untreated myopia.’
Myopia Focus found most parents recognised the term ‘short sightedness’ and only around a third knew ‘myopia’ but this had increased since 2023, while awareness of myopia management remained low. However, 65% of parents indicated they would consider myopia management if made aware of the associated risks and benefits.
Parents said the average amount of screen time for their children was two to four hours (40%), with under 25% who said it was either nought to two hours or four to six hours a day. Parents reported that their child spent one to two hours a day outdoors (54%) and 49% thought two hours outside was a realistic target with some effort while 40% said it was not at all realistic or unrealistic to attempt every day.