The Executive Chairman of the 19th IMC and Deputy Director of the Aier Eye Hospital Group's Optometry Institute, Lan Weizhong, handed over the IMC flag to the representative of the next host country for the IMC.
“I hereby announce the successful conclusion of the 19th International Myopia Conference (IMC)!" On September 28th, the six-day 19th IMC, held in Changsha, Hunan and Sanya, Hainan, which aimed to outline a clearer vision of myopia control, came to a perfect close.
This year's IMC achieved remarkable results: 9 invited thematic forums, 11 free speech sessions, over 80 academic presentations, the announcement of the "Top 10 Scientific Discoveries in Myopia Research," the preview release of the 2025 Myopia White Paper by the International Myopia Institute (IMI), and the release of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's expert consensus on myopia control. At this IMC, China's experience in myopia prevention was highlighted on the global stage. China presented a fresh, open, and inclusive image, demonstrating its strength and shining on the global stage. This conference attracted significant attention from governments, industries, and the public. Leaders from Hunan Province, Chinese Academy of Engineering Academicians, and past IMC Chairs attended and addressed the conference, both on-site and online. More than 30 domestic and international universities, along with over 10 organizations and experts, gathered to discuss cutting-edge issues in myopia prevention and control.
As the host and major participant of the 19th IMC, Aier Eye Hospital will continue to build more interactive platforms for global experts and scholars, sharing global eye care wisdom and writing a new chapter for the world of vision.
The 19th IMC attracted global attention, with over 500 foreign experts from more than 50 countries across six continents coming to China to participate in the event.
The 19th IMC, held over several days, was a grand event that gathered global wisdom, explored cutting-edge research on myopia, and jointly outlined a new blueprint for the development of ophthalmology. This international conference, with unprecedented levels, dimensions, and depth of academic exchange in the field of myopia research, attracted worldwide attention—over 500 experts from more than 50 countries and regions across six continents came to China to share new concepts and research findings in the field of myopia.
Over 500 foreign experts from more than 50 countries and regions across 6 continents have come to China.
Domestic and international university representatives included Dublin Institute of Technology, Australian National University, University of Sydney, University of Canberra, Erasmus University Rotterdam, University of Houston, University of Murcia, National University of Singapore, University of New South Wales, University of Auckland, University of California Berkeley, University of Tübingen, University of Washington, Keio University, Flinders University, King's College London, University of Rochester, Queensland University of Technology, Cardiff University, Newcastle University, State University of New York, Sun Yat-sen University, Fudan University, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Tongji University, Sichuan University, Wenzhou Medical University, Tianjin Medical University, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Tianjin Vocational University, and others.
Furthermore, experts from organizations such as the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, the International Association of Contact Lens Educators, the Asian Optometry Association, the Malaysian Association of Optometrists, Hakan Kaymak Lab, Meta, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Tianjin Eye Hospital, and Aier Eye Hospital Group joined to discuss frontier issues in myopia prevention.
During the conference, speeches were delivered by Vice Governor of Hunan Province Jiang Difei, Chinese Academy of Engineering Academician and Dean of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Fan Xianqun, Chair of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) Western Pacific Region Amanda Davis, Chair of the IMC International Academic Committee Christine Wildsoet, Co-Chair of the 9th IMC and Director of the Ophthalmology Committee of the China Association of Private Medical Institutions Ge Jian, Chair of the 15th IMC and Director of the Ministry of Education's Myopia Diagnosis and Prevention Engineering Technology Center Qu Jia, Chairman of Aier Eye Hospital Group Chen Bang, Chair of the 19th IMC and Director of Aier Eye Hospital Group's Optometry Institute Yang Zhiquan, and Executive Chair of the 19th IMC and Deputy Director of the Optometry Institute Lan Weizhong, who delivered inspiring speeches. Over 40 reporters from more than 30 mainstream media outlets, including People’s Daily Online and China National Radio, covered the event on-site, with 9 media outlets live-streaming the conference.
The 19th IMC saw impressive academic achievements, leading global myopia research to new heights.
The academic achievements of the 19th IMC were truly impressive.
Since the World Health Organization listed myopia as a global public health issue in 2016, research enthusiasm among experts has continued to rise.
September 23, the 19th World Myopia Conference grandly opened in Changsha, China.
September 25, the 19th World Myopia Conference was held in Sanya, China.
The conference featured 9 thematic forums, 11 free speech sessions, and 1 academic debate, totaling over 80 academic presentations and more than 400 posters. The rich content and grand scale surpassed all previous editions. These forums focused on major topics such as "Global Myopia Issues," "Risk Factors of Myopia," "Genes and Myopia," and "Animal and Experimental Models." The goal was to encourage the exchange and integration of diverse perspectives in myopia research, broaden participants' thinking, and further advance global eye health.
Among them, the forums on "Retinal Mechanisms of Myopia—What Changes Occur in the Myopic Retina?" and "Gene Mapping and Technology" were particularly focused on by domestic and international experts. The discussions explored the biological foundations of myopia and gene mapping, highlighting significant academic achievements and innovative research.
Many participants noted that the conference offered a unique learning opportunity, with expert presentations broadening their perspectives, enriching their knowledge, and providing clear guidance for future myopia research and clinical applications.
The IMC also made significant announcements, including the preview release of the 2025 Myopia White Paper by the International Myopia Institute (IMI), the release of the expert consensus on myopia control by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), and the introduction of Meta's myopia-smart wearable device. These additions set new benchmarks and directions for global myopia prevention, offering valuable reference points for future research and practices.
The 19th IMC, a tribute to the 60th anniversary of IMC's establishment, announced the "Top Ten Scientific Discoveries in Myopia Research" and presented the Lifetime Achievement Award.
This year marked the 60th anniversary of IMC, and the conference paid tribute to the notable achievements in myopia research over the past six decades. During the IMC 60th Anniversary Awards Ceremony, the "Top 10 Scientific Discoveries in Myopia Research" were announced.
The discoveries were carefully selected by an expert committee comprising authoritative figures in myopia research, such as Frank Schaeffel from Tübingen University, Christine Wildsoet from the University of California Berkeley, Jeremy Guggenheim from Cardiff University, and Richard A. Stone from the University of Pennsylvania.
At the 60th anniversary award ceremony of IMC, the "Top Ten Scientific Discoveries in Myopia Research" were announced.
"These discoveries represent years of collective wisdom in myopia research globally. For instance, research into outdoor activity and optical defocus has involved numerous researchers over time," said Christine Wildsoet. IMC has always led the direction of myopia research, from its initial focus on basic science to expanding into translational research and clinical applications. "Sixty years ago, we knew little about myopia, its causes, or its prevention. Today, we have not only defined myopia but also uncovered some of its mechanisms and discovered effective preventive measures such as outdoor activities, low-concentration atropine, and optical defocus techniques, which continue to drive further exploration."
Notably, Chinese research teams have also contributed to the "Top 10 Scientific Discoveries in Myopia Research" announced at the IMC 60th Anniversary event.
Through its innovative efforts, Aier Eye Hospital Group has made significant contributions to scientific discoveries like "Lifestyle Changes Promoting the Epidemic of Myopia" and "The Impact of Outdoor Activities, Environmental Lighting, and Spectral Light on Myopia and Its Prevention." These contributions were made possible by Aier’s self-developed smart wearable myopia control device, "Clouclip," which collects data on students' eye behavior and environmental lighting across the globe.
The award ceremony for the Lifetime Achievement Award at IMC
The conference also awarded lifelong achievement awards to experts who made outstanding contributions to myopia research and education, clinical services, and five key fields: basic research, clinical research, academic services, education, and clinical services. Award recipients included Professor Christine Wildsoet from the University of California Berkeley, Professor Ian Morgan from the Australian National University, Professor Sally A. McFadden from the University of Newcastle, Professor Qu Jia from Wenzhou Medical University, and Professor Yang Zhiquan, Director of Aier Eye Hospital Group’s Optometry Institute.
The 19th IMC: "China's Strength" Shines on the Global Stage, Showcasing Myopia Research Across Multiple Domains.
Sixty years have flown by, and this year marks the fourth time the IMC has been hosted in China. Over the years, myopia research in China has developed rapidly and gained international recognition, and this year's IMC is no exception.
At the International Optometry Education Forum and Industry-Education Integration Summit, experts and scholars engaged in discussions and shared experiences on various topics.
As the industry thrives, education leads the way and talent is key. At the opening of the 19th IMC, the International Optometry Education Forum and Industry-Education Integration Summit was also grandly held in China.
The conference actively responded to the strategic plan outlined in China's 14th Five-Year Plan to promote the development of the health service industry, and closely followed the policy guidelines of the "Vision Health Action Plan for Children and Adolescents (2021-2025)" issued by 15 ministries. It aimed to build an industry-education integration model in the optometry field and jointly map out a long-term development blueprint.
Experts and scholars from well-known universities in China and abroad discussed and shared experiences on topics such as school philosophies, optometry talent development pathways, optometry education models, and how industry-education integration can empower the development of the optometry sector, contributing wisdom and strength to the cultivation of optometry talent and technological innovation.
During the conference, Aier Eye Hospital signed an official agreement with the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE). IACLE has nearly 1,000 members across more than 80 countries, with extensive experience in developing and providing contact lens education.
Following the agreement, Aier Eye Hospital will develop a series of internationally advanced teaching and practical training courses in China to improve the quality of contact lens education and share global optometry wisdom with domestic colleagues.
In recent years, the Chinese optometry industry and education sector have fully leveraged their respective advantages, exploring innovative paths of industry-education integration through deep resource integration and mutual complementarity. In the future, China will continue to nurture outstanding optometry professionals through international collaboration and industry-education integration, injecting new vitality and hope into the sustainable development of the industry.
The Global Myopia Prevention and Control Summit and China Experience Sharing Session were grandly held in Changsha, China.
At the Global Myopia Prevention Summit and China Experience Sharing session, jointly hosted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), the Asia Optometry Association (AOC), and Aier Eye Hospital Group, China's "experience" in myopia prevention came into the global spotlight, especially as many countries face unique challenges in myopia prevention.
China is one of the few countries that, led by the government, has implemented nationwide measures for myopia prevention in children and adolescents, representing a new global exploration and initiative in myopia control.
On August 30, 2018, the Ministry of Education and the National Health Commission, along with eight other departments, jointly issued the "Comprehensive Plan for Myopia Prevention and Control for Children and Adolescents." This plan outlines the preventive measures for families, schools, healthcare institutions, students, and government departments, and clarifies the responsibilities of eight departments for myopia prevention. It also requires the establishment of a national evaluation system for the effectiveness of myopia prevention work. In June 2021, the Ministry of Education issued a notice on the regular eye sight monitoring system for primary and secondary school students, ensuring the implementation of health checkups and vision monitoring systems for students.
In addition, China has focused on the prevention of myopia in children aged 0-6 years, emphasizing "retinal reserve," early intervention, and developing tools such as orthokeratology lenses, low-concentration atropine eye drops, peripheral defocus soft lenses, and frame glasses to slow the onset of myopia. Moreover, China has launched five-year "Optometry Medicine" programs in 33 universities to prepare and cultivate talent for myopia prevention.
Talent education and development, industry-education integration, myopia prevention measures, and academic innovation... At the 19th IMC, China presented a fresh, open, and inclusive image, showcasing its immense strength and making a remarkable impact on the global stage in multiple areas of myopia research.
The 19th IMC, hosted by Aier Eye Hospital, makes a significant contribution to the world of vision.
As the host of the 19th IMC, Aier Eye Hospital Group has played a key role in elevating the importance of eye care in global health. Thanks to the socioeconomic development of China and the government's commitment to myopia prevention, Aier Eye Hospital’s achievements in myopia control have gained international recognition, which in turn sparked interest from global experts.
Aier Eye Hospital’s contributions to myopia research and development, as well as to global eye care, have continued to drive the advancement of human ophthalmology and vision science.
The 2023 Aier Eye Hospital Group Social Responsibility Report highlighted that, as of 2023, Aier hospitals have conducted over 30,000 vision screening and health education events, benefiting more than 20,000 schools and kindergartens. At the same time, Aier Eye Hospital has established 135 myopia prevention centers and created over 27 million student vision records.
In addition, Aier Eye Hospital has innovated the 5P Myopia Prevention Model, which emphasizes prevention, accurate prediction and intervention, process management, platform support, and parental guardianship. This comprehensive model offers a full range of myopia control solutions from screening, prevention, prediction, personalized correction, and follow-up to ensure effective myopia management.
In addition, the book "Let Children Stay Away from Myopia," written by Professor Yang Zhi-kuan's team, was awarded the title of "2019 National Outstanding Popular Science Work" by the Ministry of Science and Technology. In August 2023, the first eye health science documentary, "The Story of the Eyes," produced by Hunan TV, Mango TV, and the People's Daily Video Client, under the guidance of the Department of Physical Education, Health, and Arts Education of the Ministry of Education, officially premiered. Within one week of its release, the documentary attracted over 300 million viewers.
While fully participating in myopia prevention, Aier Eye Hospital also vigorously supports cutting-edge and original ophthalmic research, making significant contributions to the advancement of human ophthalmology and visual science.
For example, on May 30 this year, the prestigious academic journal Nature introduced a groundbreaking research project called "Nature Classroom," led by Professor Yang Zhi-kuan and Professor Lan Wei-zhong's team from the Aier Eye Hospital Group's Optometry Research Institute. The team designed special wallpaper that simulates outdoor scenes, allowing students to receive visual signal stimulation typically provided by outdoor activities, even while indoors.
The "Sunflower" myopia prevention lens was launched at the IMC opening ceremony.
As part of its global contribution, Aier Eye Hospital launched the "Sunflower" myopia prevention lenses at the IMC opening ceremony. With advanced biosensor technology, big data algorithms, and a cloud data sync app, "Sunflower" offers personalized vision management, helping delay axial growth and reduce the risk of high myopia.
The "Wide-field Retinal Refractive Topographer (Earth 100)" was unveiled at the IMC opening ceremony.
The "Wide-field Retinal Refractive Topographer (Earth 100)," jointly developed by Aier Optometry Institute and Beijing Jiuchen Intelligent Medical Equipment Co., was also unveiled.
This device allows for personalized correction and pre-predicts the effectiveness of chosen myopia prevention methods based on children's refractive status.
Since its establishment in 2011, the Aier Eye Optometry Research Institute has made several groundbreaking discoveries regarding the mechanisms of myopia onset. The institute has successfully developed a range of technologies and devices addressing key issues and bottleneck technologies in myopia prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Notable innovations include the myopia prevention smart wearable device "Clouclip," the Aier online vision test mini-program, and the AI-assisted corneal reshaping lens fitting software.
Chen Bang, Chairman of Aier Eye Hospital Group, delivered a speech at the conference.
"As long as we share the same ambition, distance is no obstacle," said Chen Bang, Chairman of Aier Eye Hospital Group. As the organizer and key participant of the 19th IMC, Aier Eye Hospital hopes to provide more interactive platforms for experts and scholars from various countries, fostering the exchange of strategies and achievements in myopia prevention. The goal is to seek effective global solutions, share ophthalmic knowledge worldwide, and contribute to advancing global eye health to new heights, thus writing a new chapter for the "vision" world.