The International MiYOSMART Case Study Contest was held at the 60th International Myopia Conference (IMC) 2024 meeting in Sanya, China,
HOYA Vision Care launched its first-ever MiYOSMART Case Study Contest at the prestigious IMC meeting in Sanya, China, which plays a vital role in raising awareness of myopia and research advancements in the field.
From a large pool of submissions, the judges shortlisted five candidates that stood out based on four criteria including, practical relevance, educational value, data and analysis quality and presentation delivery.
The finalists included, Max Aricochi, M.Sc. Vision Science and Business (Optometry) from Austria, SooJin Nam, B.Optom, MBA (AGSM Exec), M.Optom from Australia, TANG Yan O.D., M.D., Pediatric Ophthalmologist from China, Daniela Goicea, MD, Ophthalmologist from Romania and Martelie Burger, B.Optom, MCOptom from South Africa, all of whom presented their clinical case during a live interactive session.
Four globally recognised experts were invited as commentators to ask questions and provide their insights on these cases, adding extra value to this educational event. They are Professor Dominique Bremond-Gignac from University Hospital Necker-Enfants Malades of Paris Cité University, France; Professor Carly Lam from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Professor Debbie Jones from Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) and University of Waterloo, Canada; and Professor Zhi (Peter) Chen from Fudan University Eye and ENT Hospital, China.
The finalists as well as the commentators and KOLs invited by HOYA were invited to vote for the winner. The competition was close, but TANG Yan, O.D., M.D., Pediatric Ophthalmologist from China was announced as the winner.
Tang’s presentation focused on early-onset high myopia with comprehensive management, and the case she presented was closely monitored for about two years.
Tang Yan, O.D., M.D., Pediatric Ophthalmologist stated: “I am very humbled and honoured to have won the first international MiYOSMART Case Study Contest. Myopia in children is a big public health concern and there is a critical need for early detection of its onset and comprehensive management. The entire process leading up to and including the final Contest at the IMC has been a wonderful opportunity for all participants and I am very grateful to HOYA Vision Care for organizing this. I am very much looking forward to the next Contest at the IMC taking place in Houston in 2026.”
Myopia, also known as short sightedness, progresses faster in children under 12 years old. If left untreated, myopia can lead to complications in the future, such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment or myopic macular degeneration. Therefore, prevention and innovative solutions are critically important to managing the condition.
Alexandre Montague, Chief Executive Officer at Hoya Vision Care said: “Congratulations to all the finalists this year and our winner, Tang Yan. We’re beyond excited to have held our inaugural international MiYOSMART case study content at the prestigious IMC in China. This contest helped to shine further light on myopia and the need for early intervention using effective solutions. It is also a great occasion to celebrate the phenomenal work of eyecare professionals and thank them for taking the time to submit their cases, showing a true dedication to fight the myopia epidemic and drive forward scientific breakthroughs. For over 80 years, HOYA has stood side by side with Eye Care Professionals, and now, through this groundbreaking contest, we’re elevating that partnership to new heights – sparking innovation, sharing knowledge, and shaping the future of vision care together.”
Myopia is a common cause of vision loss, with uncorrected myopia the leading cause of distance vision impairment globally. At least 2.2 billion people globally have a near or distance vision impairment according to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s 2023 statistics. Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is estimated to affect half of the world’s population by 2050.
For more information about the MiYOSMART case study contest and the finalists, please visit: https://miyosmartcontest2024.com.
Product Disclaimer: MiYOSMART spectacle lenses have not been approved for use in the management of myopia in all countries, including the US, and are not currently available for sale in all countries, including the US.
