By Dr. David Cockrell
Chairman, Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety

For publication on behalf of HCAPS

Across the United States, a silent but rapidly accelerating epidemic is threatening the educational success and long-term health of our children: myopia, or nearsightedness. Once considered a relatively benign condition, myopia is now affecting American children at alarming rates, and if left unaddressed, can lead to serious, lifelong vision problems.

Research shows that the prevalence of myopia in children has more than doubled over the last few decades, a trend that continues to rise as screen time increases and outdoor activity declines. Beyond the health implications, uncorrected or undiagnosed myopia can significantly hinder a child’s ability to succeed in the classroom. Imagine trying to read a whiteboard, follow a lesson, or even recognize a classmate’s face—without clear vision, learning becomes a daily struggle.

At HCAPS—the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety—we believe that protecting children’s vision must be a public health and education priority. As a leading coalition committed to strengthening the doctor-patient relationship and ensuring access to early, comprehensive eye exams by doctors of optometry and ophthalmology, we know firsthand the critical role that early detection and treatment play in a child’s development.

Comprehensive eye exams are far more than a vision screening. They are essential tools for identifying not only myopia, but a wide range of vision and eye health issues that, if caught early, can be managed effectively. Yet far too many children—especially in underserved communities—do not receive the care they need. We must do better.

HCAPS is committed to working with policymakers at the state and federal levels, as well as with educators, school administrators, parents, and child advocacy organizations to address this growing threat. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to see clearly and thrive in school, and that starts with early access to quality eye care.

Myopia may be invisible to the naked eye, but its impact is unmistakable. It is time to raise awareness, promote early eye exams, and implement policies that support children’s vision health as a cornerstone of educational success. The future of our children—both in and out of the classroom—depends on it.