At the Optic World Fair held in İzmir, experts drew attention to the rapidly increasing cases of myopia, especially among children, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, regular eye examinations, and next-generation optical solutions. It was also underlined that myopia is a growing global public health issue.

Hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ between March 27–29, Optic World İzmir – the 3rd Optical, Eyewear, Ophthalmology and Technologies Fair attracted attention not only with its commercial aspect but also with talks that brought together industry professionals and academics.

During sessions attended by experts in their fields, particular attention was drawn to the increasing prevalence of myopia among children and young people. It was emphasized that myopia is not only an individual vision disorder but also a rapidly growing global public health problem. Today, it affects approximately 30% of the world’s population and is expected to affect 50% by 2050, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and regular eye examinations.

“It is fundamentally transforming our era”
Dr. Hasan Durmuş, Faculty Member of the Opticianry Program at İzmir University of Economics and Head of the Education Commission of the İzmir Chamber of Opticians and Opticians (İZOGO), delivered the opening speech of the program. He stated, “When the Optic Fair was first organized, our main goal was to bring together sector stakeholders. Today, we are expanding this structure further by bringing educators, manufacturers, and universities under the same roof.”

Durmuş noted that, together with the Education Commission of the İzmir Chamber of Opticians, they included topics that align with global developments and innovations. He emphasized that artificial intelligence plays a decisive role in the transformation of the era, stating: “Just like the invention of the printing press, artificial intelligence is a turning point that fundamentally transforms our era. The optical sector is also affected by this transformation. Therefore, we have included many topics in our academic program, ranging from digital measurement technologies to the global status and economic impact of myopia, from preliminary accounting processes in the opticianry sector to improvements in vision health in our country.”

The importance of early diagnosis highlighted
The first session, focusing on myopia and premiyopia the early stage in which a child is not yet myopic but has a high risk of developing it was conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oya Dönmez, an Ophthalmologist at İzmir Tınaztepe University Private Galen Hospital.

Dönmez stated, “Today, myopia is not only an individual vision disorder but also a rapidly increasing global public health issue that directly affects society. The prevalence of myopia, especially starting in childhood, is increasing every year. Prolonged near work, increased use of digital screens, and reduced time spent outdoors are among the main causes.”

Emphasizing the critical importance of early diagnosis, she added, “The earlier myopia begins, the higher the risk of progression. Therefore, regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection. It is possible to slow the progression of myopia through specially designed eyeglass lenses, contact lenses for myopia control, and lifestyle changes. Especially spending more time outdoors has a protective effect for children.”

Dönmez also highlighted the potential consequences of untreated myopia: “Progressive myopia can lead to complications such as retinal diseases and serious vision loss. This also creates a significant economic burden on healthcare systems,” drawing attention to the global dimension of the issue.

Optical solutions in myopia management are rapidly advancing
Begüm Çankırlı, Sales Development Manager at Hoya Vision Care, stated that optical solutions in myopia management are rapidly evolving. She highlighted that DIMS technology, developed to slow myopia progression especially in children, offers a scientifically proven and innovative approach. She explained that this design aims to control eye elongation by creating peripheral defocus while maintaining clear central vision, and clinical studies with MiYOSMART lenses have shown a significant reduction in myopia progression. Çankırlı emphasized that today, managing myopia not just correcting vision is one of the core responsibilities of the optical sector.

“By 2050, more than half of the world’s population is expected to be myopic”
Speaking at the session titled “Contact Lenses Used in Myopia Management,” Fatih İbiş from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Acuvue said, “Contact lens technologies in myopia management have significantly advanced in recent years. Special lenses designed for myopia control not only correct vision but also help slow its progression.”

Drawing attention to the global rise of myopia, İbiş added, “At the point we have reached today, it is predicted that more than half of the world’s population will be myopic by 2050. This situation transforms myopia management from an individual need into a global health priority. Therefore, early intervention, correct product selection, and regular follow-up processes play a more critical role than ever.”

Within the scope of the program, the importance of collaboration between opticians and ophthalmologists was also emphasized. It was stated that a multidisciplinary approach is essential for sustainable success in vision health, while next-generation measurement technologies and personalized solutions were among the key topics shaping the future of the sector.