The IMI recognises that it is a difficult time for all, and many members have been impacted by many of the recent events. During the past few months, the group has re-focused our efforts to ensure that we can deliver planned consensus reports early next year, to support eye care practitioners globally.
The International Myopia Institute (IMI) consensus group, an expert group of key clinical researchers, scientists, and eye care practitioners advancing myopia research, education and advocacy, announced today a search for leading eye care practitioners to help disseminate the evidence from their published white papers to every part of the world.
Estimates predict that by 2050, 50% of the world will have myopia, and associated complications and potential blindness attributed to high myopia will also rise.1 Educating eye care practitioners about the latest evidence-based management of myopia is critical to address this.
“The IMI has gathered the world’s leading scientists and clinical researchers, and now it is time to reach further in our mission to advance eye care. We are seeking interested volunteers to join the Institute to support our initiatives to ameliorate the global increase in myopia,” said Dr Monica Jong, Executive Director of the IMI. “We must work together to continue building the global knowledge and capability.”
Appointed country representatives will help to identify gaps, and unmet needs in myopia education, research and training, as well as support the dissemination of the evidence through their professional networks. IMI is looking for expressions of interest from proactive, dynamic, and engaging eye care professionals who will be available for occasional meetings and assignments. Please send your CV and a statement about your professional experience and how you would be able to support the mission of advancing myopia research, education and advocacy in your country to Dr Monica Jong m.jong@bhvi.org.
The International Myopia Institute was founded by BHVI and is supported through ongoing donations Carl Zeiss Vision, CooperVision, Essilor, Alcon and Vision Impact Institute.
1. Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, Jong M, Naidoo KS, Sankaridurg P, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016 May 1;123(5):1036–42.
