Myopia petition gains pace

A petition to get the NHS to recognise myopia as an ocular disease and achieve free myopia management for all children in the UK has gained over 1,000 signatures.

Set up by optometrist and managing editor of Myopia Focus, Jason Higginbotham, the campaign called for myopia screening services across UK schools from the ages of four to five.

It wanted a new general ophthalmic services provision for children to pay a higher eye examination fee that took account of myopia screening and management.

The petition also called for a new tier of vision correction vouchers to ensure all children received free access to myopia management solutions.