The International Myopia Institute (IMI) has launched a global search for country representatives to lead the dissemination of key information across the world.
The institute, which was founded by Sydney-based BHVI in 2015, announced this week that its consensus group of clinical researchers, scientists and eyecare practitioners are seeking more professionals to help distribute evidence published in its white papers.
The IMI has released at least eight white papers since it launched, focusing on a range of topics such as defining and classifying myopia, genetics and clinical management and guidelines, the latter led by Brisbane optometrist Dr Kate Gifford.
With 50% of the world’s population expected to have myopia by 2050, the IMI states that educating eyecare practitioners about the latest evidence-based management will be critical.
It comes as the group announced its intention to deliver further consensus reports early next year, following disruption from the COVID-19 crisis.
“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 eyecare. We are seeking interested volunteers to join the institute to support our initiatives to ameliorate the global increase in myopia,” Dr Monica Jong, executive director of the IMI, said.
“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.
The IMI is seeking expressions of interest “from proactive, dynamic, and engaging eyecare professionals” who will be available for occasional meetings and assignments.
Interested parties can send a CV, statement of professional experience and an explanation of the way they can support the mission of advancing myopia research, education and advocacy in their country to Jong at m.jong@bhvi.org.
The IMI was founded in 2015 following a meeting of the World Health Organization and BHVI in Sydney that same year. It is supported through ongoing donations by Carl Zeiss Vision, CooperVision, Essilor, Alcon and Vision Impact Institute.
