ENTOD Pharmaceuticals will be launching its annual nationwide campaign to address the rising prevalence of myopia in India from 14th November 2024 starting from Children’s Day for a week. With a growing number of children and adults affected by this condition, ENTOD’s initiative aims to foster awareness on prevention, detection, and management through a series of outreach activities across the country.
Recent studies indicate a global increase in myopia, with projections estimating that nearly one-third of urban Indian children aged 5 to 15 will experience myopia by 2030 due to lifestyle factors and prolonged screen time. A publication in the British Journal of Ophthalmology reveals that one in three young people globally are short-sighted, with India expected to see rates as high as 49% by 2050. These statistics highlight an urgent need for proactive measures to address the future burden of ocular health issues.
Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the campaign’s critical role, stating, “The rise of myopia in India, particularly among children, is a serious public health issue. With numbers continuing to increase, education on preventive care and the importance of early detection becomes essential. Our annual campaign reflects ENTOD’s commitment to safeguarding vision health by ensuring that families are aware of regular eye checkups and lifestyle changes that can help manage and reduce myopia.”
This year, the campaign seeks to reach over two crore people, surpassing last year’s outreach numbers. To achieve this, ENTOD has enlisted the participation of more than 1,000 doctors and engaged between 5,000 to 10,000 volunteers to facilitate various awareness activities.
Activities include interactive sessions in schools where children will benefit from presentations by ophthalmologists and free eye screenings. In clinics and hospitals, patients will receive educational materials in multiple regional languages, along with free sample distributions for those in need. Additionally, radio awareness programs will be broadcast in major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Bangalore, to further extend the campaign’s reach.
Covering prominent locations such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Surat, Indore, and Jaipur, the initiative is designed to create maximum community engagement. Dr. JITENDRA JETHANI Baroda Children Eye care and Squint Clinic, Vadodara, India · Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus MS, DO, DNB, FNB, FAICO, a senior ophthalmologist participating in the campaign, highlighted the importance of preventive care, saying, “Parents and caregivers must stay vigilant about their children’s eye health. Regular screenings, limiting screen exposure and promoting outdoor activities are essential to slow myopia progression. Through ENTOD’s campaign, we aim to equip communities with the knowledge needed to safeguard vision.”
By raising awareness of the causes and risks associated with myopia, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals continues its efforts to encourage proactive steps toward improved eye health across India.
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