(PRESS RELEASE) SAN RAMON, CA — CooperVision has become a global patron of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. The company becomes part of a select group of leaders including Allergan, Bayer, Novartis and Standard Chartered Bank that supports IAPB at the highest level to help achieve universal access to eye health.
As part of the relationship, CooperVision and IAPB will collaborate to bring greater awareness and action to the growing prevalence and severity of myopia in children worldwide. A seminal 2015 report on the issue from the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that “myopia and high myopia are increasing globally at an alarming rate, with significant increases in the risks for vision impairment from pathologic conditions associated with high myopia.”
“CooperVision has a heritage of addressing widespread refractive issues such as astigmatism and presbyopia. More recently, we have taken on even greater challenges such as childhood myopia, not only correcting it but also successfully slowing its progression,” said Daniel G. McBride, president of CooperVision. “Even with the remarkable progress we’re making, no single organization can do this alone. We’re optimistic about what our new partnership with IAPB will mean for millions of children, adults and families worldwide.”
“IAPB are excited about the opportunity to partner with CooperVision to create sustainable and lasting change in eye health, including addressing the substantial global increase in myopia,” said Peter Holland, chief executive, IAPB. “The leadership, insight and innovation of our Patrons regularly unearth new approaches, models and alliances for greater collective and individual impact. By working together, we exponentially increase our abilities to confront and overcome vision impairment issues.”
In addition to its IAPB patronage, CooperVision contributes significant funding, knowledge and time to a range of eye health-focused organizations every year. These include being a founding member of the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition, a Global Platinum sponsor of Optometry Giving Sight, and partner in Our Children’s Vision. As part of its corporate responsibility initiatives, CooperCompanies is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, concentrating on good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production and complementary partnerships.
CooperVision develops a range of products designed to aid eye care professionals. Silicone hydrogel soft contact lens brands such as Biofinity and clariti 1 day are worn by millions worldwide. Its myopia care portfolio includes advanced lenses such as Paragon CRT and Procornea DreamLite designed for overnight wear (orthokeratology), as well as innovations such as MiSight 1 day contact lenses for slowing the progression of myopia in children (8-12 years of age at the initiation of treatment).