RCAHS and POS Collaborate to raise Myopia awareness and combat vision impairment

Rehman College of Allied Health Sciences (RCAHS) and Pakistan Optometric Society (POS) joined hands to raise awareness about myopia, a growing concern impacting millions worldwide, during the Myopia Awareness Week held from May 22nd to 26th, 2023.

RCAHS hosted a Myopia Symposium, where distinguished optometrists from POS and faculty members from the Vision Sciences department at the college took to the stage. With their expertise and passion, these experts delivered insightful lectures on the complexities of myopia and its management, shedding light on this prevalent vision impairment.

Amidst the gathering of brilliant minds, the Principal of RCAHS warmly welcomed all participants to the event. In a graceful and appreciative manner, the RCAHS Principal Prof. Dr. Jamil Ur Rehman presented shields to the speakers, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the field of optometry and their efforts in raising awareness about myopia.

Additionally, the representatives from POS recognised the outstanding achievements of the exceptional students in the Vision Sciences department at RCAHS by bestowing them with certificates of appreciation. These dedicated students, with their remarkable abilities and commitment, exemplify the future of optometry and promise to make a positive impact in the realm of vision care.

RCAHS and POS have come together in their commitment to educate and empower the general population, fostering a deeper understanding of myopia and its implications. By shining a spotlight on this growing concern, they aspire to address uncorrected refractive errors and prevent myopia from becoming the leading cause of vision impairment in the near future. 

According to estimates, more than 285 million people worldwide suffer from vision impairment, with 42% of this attributed to uncorrected refractive errors. Epidemiological studies suggest that myopia affects approximately 1.89 billion individuals globally, and if current prevalence rates persist, it is projected to impact half of the world's population by 2050. Consequently, uncorrected myopia is poised to become the leading cause of vision impairment in the near future.

RCAHS remains steadfast in the dedication to creating a world where visual impairments are comprehended, managed, and prevented, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.