Surya Eye Hospital launches western India’s first Oculus Myopia Master to combat rising myopia cases

Surya Eye Hospital, a prominent eye care centre in India, has introduced Western India’s first Oculus Myopia Master, an advanced diagnostic tool developed in Germany to track and manage myopia progression in children. The launch event coincided with a Media Round Table dedicated to discussing myopia management in children. To support early detection, Surya Eye is hosting a free Myopia Screening Camp at its Bandra and Mulund facilities from November 14 to 20, 2024, in conjunction with National Myopia Week.

A study found that myopia prevalence among individuals aged 29 years and above in Maharashtra stands at 15.3 per cent, with two population-based studies showing a rate of 17 per cent. These figures underscore the significance of the hospital’s efforts to address myopia, especially in children.

The Myopia Master uses a contactless, painless approach to measure key eye parameters, such as axial length, keratometry, and refraction, facilitating accurate monitoring and personalised treatment plans. Developed in collaboration with OCULUS GmbH, Germany, and BHVI in Australia, the tool enables doctors to offer more precise diagnoses and treatment plans. The Myopia Master uses a unique AI-based model for data analysis, ensuring tailored care for each child.

Dr Vinod Goyal, Senior Ophthalmologist and Director at Surya Eye Hospital, stated, “Myopia is a pressing global health issue that requires proactive intervention. Through initiatives like the launch of the Myopia Master, we aim to provide comprehensive, preventive care that improves outcomes for children affected by Myopia. We aim to detect and manage this condition early, giving every child a chance at clear, healthy vision.”

The Media Round Table convened industry experts, healthcare professionals, and media representatives to discuss the growing myopia epidemic in India. The discussions focused on advanced strategies for diagnosing, preventing, and treating myopia. Surya Eye Hospital’s commitment to tackling this issue was highlighted through its innovative solutions and community outreach efforts.

Dr Jay Goyal, LASIK and Retina Specialist and Director of Surya Eye Hospital, added, “We are proud to be early adopters of the Myopia Master in Western India. By providing a more accurate diagnosis and customised care plan, we can significantly reduce children’s dependency on glasses and minimise long-term risks, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma. With projections indicating that 40 per cent of Indian children will be affected by Myopia by 2030, Surya Eye Hospital’s efforts are geared towards providing timely, comprehensive care and preventive solutions.”

By 2030, it is expected that 40 per cent of Indian children will require spectacles due to myopia, marking a significant rise in this condition. Globally, one in three children is affected by myopia, with prevalence tripling to 36 per cent between 1990 and 2023, demonstrating its growing public health impact. Asia is predicted to be most affected, with nearly 69 per cent of the population at risk of moderate myopia by 2050.