Zeiss to spread awareness of myopia prevention and control

Zeiss Group, a German optical systems and optoelectronics manufacturer, recently debut its first myopia prevention and management integral solution in China, as it aims to push forward the development of myopia prevention and control in the country.

In the past few years, myopia has frequently occurred among children and adolescents in an early age in China, and visual health issues have a certain impact on their school attendance, employment and life.

During the just concluded fifth China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Zeiss cooperated with Shanghai Association for Science and Technology to popularize science knowledge and strengthen public awareness of eye health protection.

The two sides will compile a report, focusing on the prevention and control of myopia among children and adolescents in China in 2023. The report will provide professional data references and trend analysis for the public next year.

"We want to not only supply sufficient knowledge to the parents, but also online tools that they can use. With our mini-program, we raise awareness with the parents to let them know what can have an influence on myopia and what you can do to prevent it," said Frank Seitzinger, head of business development of medical technology of Zeiss China.

Zeiss signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Fosun Health, and the two sides will make the process of myopia prevention and treatments more digitalized.

"We have a platform that's enabled doctors to communicate better with their patients. We have treatment options afterwards for the doctor to prescribe to their patients," Seitzinger said.

In addition, Zeiss said it has started to work with the government and professional medical institutions to publish group standards, and it would like to work with more key opinion leaders and scientists to publicize related knowledge, foster professional talents, and improve primary medical institutions' ability to prevent, screen, diagnose and treat myopia.

Zhou Xingtao, president of the Shanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, said medical institutions play an important role in the process of improving the ophthalmic medical service system. Next, it is necessary to continuously promote accurate prevention and control and scientific correction through resource integration, he said.

Maximilian Foerst, head of Zeiss China, said the company is increasingly growing its efforts to localize its business in China. It will speed up the progress of local research and development, as China is becoming a second home for Zeiss. The launch of diversified products and integral solutions for myopia prevention and control has been a reflection of such strategy.

zhuwenqian@chinadaily.com.cn