World Optometry Day 2026: Why Collaboration Matters in Protecting Children’s Vision

Every year on March 23, World Optometry Day celebrates the essential role of optometrists in global eye health. This year, the World Council of Optometry (WCO) is expanding the celebration into World Optometry Week 2026, taking place from March 22–28 under the theme “A Shared Vision: Collaboration in Global Eye Care.” This theme reflects a powerful message: no single profession can meet the world’s growing eye‑care needs alone, especially as vision problems such as childhood myopia continue to rise worldwide.

The World Council of Optometry’s Call for Collaboration

According to the WCO, collaboration is now essential as the demand for sustainable eye care increases. Key global challenges such as population growth, aging communities, and rapid urbanisation, continue to place pressure on health systems around the world.

WCO President Cindy Tromans emphasises that optometrists play a vital primary-care role, yet the greatest impact will come when all eye‑health professionals work together to ensure that no one is left behind. This aligns with the World Health Organization’s push for integrated, people‑centred eye care and cross‑sector cooperation to improve access and long‑term outcomes.

For parents, carers, and anyone concerned about children’s eyesight, this message could not be more important. Myopia—often beginning in childhood—is now one of the fastest‑growing public health issues in eye care.

The Urgent Rise of Childhood Myopia

Myopia (short‑sightedness) has reached epidemic levels in many regions. Globally, myopia affected approximately 2.6 billion people in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly 5 billion by 2050, meaning half the world’s population may be myopic. [eyecarecenteroc.com]

In children and adolescents, the increase is especially alarming. A major global meta‑analysis found that childhood myopia prevalence rose from 24.3% in 1990 to 35.8% in 2023, and is forecast to exceed 39% by 2050. [bjo.bmj.com]

East Asia continues to be the most affected region, with 80–90% of teenagers in countries such as South Korea, China, and Singapore now myopic. [visioncenter.org]

This rapid rise has serious consequences. High myopia dramatically increases the risk of sight‑threatening conditions, including myopic maculopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment. Each additional diopter of myopia approximately doubles the lifetime risk of severe ocular complications. [eyecarecenteroc.com]

Why Early Myopia Management Matters

Early onset myopia (especially before age 10) is linked to faster progression and a higher chance of developing high myopia later in life.

Fortunately, evidence‑based treatments are available. Options such as Ortho‑K lenses, low‑dose atropine, and specialised myopia‑control contact lenses can slow progression by 50–67%.

Lifestyle also plays a crucial role. Research shows that increasing outdoor time (around 76 minutes a day or more) is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of myopia in children. If you'd like to learn more ways to manage myopia you can visit our Complete Guide to Myopia Control.

World Optometry Day and World Optometry Week 2026 are timely reminders of how essential collaboration is in tackling the global rise of childhood myopia. The WCO highlights the need for optometrists not only to diagnose and correct vision problems, but also to actively manage myopia through education, monitoring, and treatment—ensuring better long‑term eye health for every child.