{
  "id": 6237755,
  "title": "Free screenings to tackle myopia crisis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/free-screenings-to-tackle-myopia-crisis-6237755",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-08T05:06:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK News",
    "slug": "rthk-news",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1869235-20260908.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Orbis International and the University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Medicine (HKUMed) have teamed up to address Hong Kong’s growing myopia crisis. The collaboration will provide 1,000 complimentary paediatric eye examinations for children and 1,000 myopia screenings for adults. A three-year clinical trial will examine advanced treatments during this period.\n\nMyopia is a lifelong threat that typically starts in primary school and can lead to irreversible blindness in adulthood if left untreated. A 2025 HKUMed study revealed that nearly 40 percent of children aged five to 12 suffer from myopia. Professor Christopher Leung explained that the eyeball continues to grow during childhood, leading to myopia development and progression around ages three to four. By age 15 or 16, eyeball growth stabilises, but the risk of high myopia remains.\n\nWhile glasses can correct blurred distance vision, they do not reverse the elongation of the eyeball or eliminate the risks associated with high myopia, including retinal disease, cataracts, and permanent sight loss. Therefore, medical experts urge parents to prioritise annual eye examinations and seek professional advice if myopia is detected. They also recommend regular outdoor time, breaks from close work, and a comfortable reading distance for children.\n\nRegistration for the children's screenings is now open, with adult screening details forthcoming.",
  "summary": "The non-profit organisation, Orbis International, and the University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Medicine (HKUMed) have launched a joint initiative to combat the city's myopia crisis. The partnership will offer 1,000 free paediatric eye exams and 1,000 adult myopia screenings, alongside a three-year clinical trial for advanced therapies. Medical experts describe short-sightedness as a lifelong…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK English",
        "title": "Free screenings to tackle myopia crisis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/free-screenings-to-tackle-myopia-crisis",
        "published": "2026-09-08T05:06:24.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}