The 5th Asia-Pacific Myopia Management Symposium (APMMS) was held in Hong Kong by CooperVision, a global leader in myopia management. The event was held alongside its Regional Connect Country Editions held in Taiwan, Korea, Mainland China and Singapore.
The flagship event, themed “Myopia Control in Children: Meeting the Challenge Together”, highlighted the complexities of advanced myopia management tools and their efficacy, and relevant case studies. This regional symposium was organized by the World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (WSPOS), World Council of Optometry (WCO), The Hong Kong Association of Private Practice Optometrists (HKAPPO) and The Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists (HKSPO).
The APMMS 2025 and its in-market sessions attracted hundreds of attendees from around the world, both in person and virtually. The event underscored the need for a unified strategy among healthcare providers to address the escalating myopia epidemic in Hong Kong and across the region. The symposium also featured two expert panel sessions, where leading industry professionals discussed real-world clinical scenarios and shared insights on current guidelines and standards of care in myopia management.
Sharing her thoughts on the event, Queenie Yip, President of The Hong Kong Association of Private Practice Optometrists (HKAPPO) said: “APMMS 2025 not only deepened our collective understanding of myopia, but also reinforced the power of collaboration across borders. It is truly inspiring to witness such strong regional commitment to tackling this growing epidemic. As we return to our practices, we do so with renewed purpose, practical insights, and a shared vision for a myopia-resilient future.”
Distinguished speakers addressed the symposium:
The treatment goal of myopia: In this session helmed by Dr. Ken Nischal and Dr. Sandra Block, the growing impact of myopia on individuals across the region was examined. This prompted a renewed focus of myopia’s treatment goal in targeting the prevention of morbidity, which has brought the WSPOS and WCO to agree on a consensus statement.
Addressing gaps in myopia management: Led by Dr. Vincent Ng, this presentation dove into detailed myopia management research and advancements; giving ECPs key insights on treatment criteria and selection.
Understanding the safety and efficacy of myopia management treatments: Through a thorough examination of myopia treatment studies, Dr. Kate Gifford and Ms Elizabeth Lumb review patient challenges and the treatment options. This session also included interactive questions for ECP audiences to engage with.
Retinal detachment as an effect of myopia: Dr. Niall Crosby reviews how the myopia epidemic is increasing the magnitude of retinal detachment cases. He highlights that despite its lower prevalence, the severity is much higher for affected individuals and how this is a growing public health concern.
Increasing accessibility in myopia control: Dr. Foo Li Lian examined patient and caregiver perceptions and concerns when engaging in myopia management. Patient difficulties in engaging with treatment options, resulted in the creation of a well received child friendly contact lens application device.
Dr. Bruce Chin, President of The Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists (HKSPO), reflected on the symposium’s impact: “APMMS 2025 has been a truly transformative event for ECPs across the region. It provided a much-needed platform for connection, knowledge exchange, and the discovery of new strategies in myopia management through its engaging sessions and panel discussions. The annual APMMS continues to play a pivotal role in advancing conversations around myopia throughout Asia.”
Beyond its annual flagship event, this year’s symposium expanded its reach through localised events – APMMS Regional Connect Country Editions. These in-market activations spanned across Taiwan, Korea, Mainland China and Singapore. Expanding through these events has led to engaging a larger pool of local Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) and providing them with in-market specific knowledge to elevate their practice with their communities and stakeholders.
Highlighting the evolution from last year’s edition, Dr. Dora Lui, General Manager of CooperVision Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vice President of APAC Strategy, shared, “In 2024, our focus was on spotlighting the seriousness of myopia, exploring treatment trends and breakthroughs, and casting a forward-looking view on its management. This year, however, we wanted to emphasise the power of collective action, bringing ECPs together with a shared goal of tackling the myopia epidemic. The regional connect sessions felt like a meaningful first step toward realising that vision.”
