Overview
Entod Pharmaceuticals in collaboration with the MATANAND Welfare Foundation and Paediatric Ophthalmological Society of India (SPOSI) has launched 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 Scenario for Myopia
- 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.
Words from CEO: Entod Pharmaceuticals
- 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.
Myopia: National Myopia Week
- The first two years of National Myopia Week as per the company reached out to over 3 crore parents, teachers, and children across India through social media, press coverage, and school awareness programs in both urban and rural areas.
- This year, the campaign seeks to create an even bigger impact and surpass the previous year’s outreach numbers.
- In order 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 are being benefitted from presentations by ophthalmologists and free eye screenings.
- In clinics and hospitals, patients are receiving educational materials in multiple regional languages, along with free sample distributions for those in need.
- Additionally, radio awareness programs are also being broadcasted in major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, to further extend the campaign's reach.
About the Preventive Care: from the Prominent Doctor
- Covering prominent locations such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Surat, Indore, and Jaipur, the initiative has been designed to create maximum community engagement.
- Dr. Jitendra Jethani (Paediatric Ophthalmologist, Baroda Children Eye Care and Squint Clinic, Vadodara) who is 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.
