Free screenings to tackle myopia crisis

The non-profit organisation Orbis International and the University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Medicine have teamed up to address Hong Kong's myopia crisis. They will provide 1,000 free paediatric eye examinations and 1,000 adult myopia screenings, in addition to a three-year trial for advanced myopia treatments. Myopia, or short-sightedness, is generally considered a lifelong threat that begins in primary school, with the risk of irreversible blindness rising if left untreated.

A 2025 HKUMed study of 501 children aged five to 12 found that nearly 40 percent had myopia. Professor Christopher Leung from HKUMed's Department of Ophthalmology explained that myopia develops and worsens during childhood, particularly between the ages of two and three, when the eyeball continues to grow. He noted that high myopia can develop as early as five or six years old and stabilises around 15 or 16 years old.

The study also revealed that 44.5 percent of adults over 50 have myopia, with 6.7 percent suffering from high myopia. While glasses can correct blurred distance vision, they do not reverse the elongation of the eyeball or eliminate the risks associated with high myopia, such as retinal disease, cataracts, and permanent sight loss.

In response to this, Orbis International and HKUMed are offering free services for 1,000 children and 1,000 high-risk adults. They are also planning a three-year clinical trial called the Children Myopia Control Study in 2027, which will test three treatments for children aged five to 12: 0.05 percent atropine eye drops, optical defocus spectacle lenses, and a combination of both.

Ophthalmologists urge parents to prioritise annual professional eye examinations and seek professional advice if myopia is detected. They also recommend regular outdoor time, frequent breaks from close work, and maintaining a proper reading distance for children. Registration for the children's screenings is now open, with adult screening details to be announced soon.