[Alexandria, VA] October 15, 2024 — The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (HCAPS) proudly announces its sponsorship of the latest study from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) on the growing epidemic of myopia. HCAPS commends the academy for prioritizing this urgent issue and for illuminating the need for coordinated national efforts to address the increasing prevalence of myopia.
As myopia rates continue to rise, particularly among children and adolescents, HCAPS fully supports the academy's recommendations, including the critical importance of granting myopia an official disease designation. This designation is essential for developing a national strategy aimed at educating parents, school administrators, and policymakers about the implications of myopia on student achievement and overall health.
“Myopia is not just a vision issue; it significantly impacts academic performance and quality of life for millions of students,” said Dr. David Cockrell, Chairman of the HCAPS. “By acknowledging myopia as a formal disease, we can prioritize educational initiatives and promote comprehensive eye exams conducted by doctors of optometry.”
Comprehensive eye examinations play a vital role in early detection and management of myopia. HCAPS encourages parents and educators to advocate for regular early comprehensive eye exams for all students to foster awareness about the importance of eye health in academic settings.
The findings from the NASEM study reinforce the necessity for a united approach to tackle this pressing public health concern. HCAPS calls on all stakeholders—parents, schools, and policymakers—to work collaboratively in addressing the challenges posed by myopia and to ensure that children receive the eye care they deserve.
For more information about the NASEM study and HCAPS’s commitment to patient safety and health education, please visit https://nap.nationalacademies.org/resource/27734/interactive/.
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Contact:
Ralph Kohl
Executive Director
Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety
202-631-0208
[email protected]
Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (patientsafetytoday.com)
About Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety
The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety is dedicated to promoting patient safety and improving health outcomes through advocacy, education, and collaboration among health care professionals, policymakers, and the public