Myopia (short-sightedness) is on the rise, and in just 15 years, half of Australians are expected to have it. That’s a huge shift—and one we need to get in front of, fast.
However, as it currently stands, awareness about myopia is alarmingly low.
A survey conducted by UNSW as part of Optometry Australia’s myopia awareness campaign found that:
- 21% of Aussies have never even heard of myopia
- 32% have heard of it but don’t know the symptoms
- 85% have no idea there are ways to slow it down
So, because a good offence is the best defense when it comes to myopia prevention and management, we’ve launched a new campaign with an easy to remember, three-step reminder to help parents and caregivers keep their child’s eyes healthy.
Off Screens, Outside, Optometrist (OOO)
- Off Screens – cut down on excessive screen time and close-up work. Encourage regular breaks and balance screen use with other activities.
- Outside – at least two hours of outdoor play each day helps protect against myopia. Natural light plays a key role in healthy eye development.
- Optometrist – regular eye exams with your trusted optometrist can catch myopia early and keep it under control. The earlier it’s detected, the better the outcome.
Why myopia matters
Myopia isn’t just about needing glasses. In severe cases, it can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
The good news?
There are treatments that can help slow its progression—but only if parents and caregivers know about them and take action.
What you can do right now
Our OOO campaign is a handy helper to keep eye health at the forefront of your mind, but real change starts at home. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Set screen limits. Encourage activities that don’t involve close-up focus, like playing outside, reading books at a distance or engaging in hands-on play.
- Get outside daily. Aim for at least two hours of outdoor time every day—whether that’s playing in the park, riding bikes, or even just doing homework outside.
- Book an eye exam. Even if your child isn’t showing signs of vision problems, a routine check-up can help detect early changes and prevent worsening eyesight.
How to find your closest optometrist
Our easy “Find an Optometrist” search tool can assist you in identifying the most convenient optometry practice based on where you live or work. Simply pop in the local postcode and – voila! We’re here to help not hinder prioritising eye care.
