What is myopia and why does it matter?

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry while near objects stay clear. It usually starts between the ages of 6 and 14 and progresses through the teenage years.

Myopia is now the fastest growing eye health concern in Australian children¹. The University of Melbourne projects that 40 percent of Australian children will be myopic by 2050, with around half the world's population affected by the same date.

Why this matters: high myopia (worse than minus 6.00 dioptres) raises the lifetime risk of retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, glaucoma and cataracts. Slowing progression in childhood reduces that risk for the rest of your child's life.

What causes myopia in children?

Myopia in children, also known as short-sightedness or nearsightedness, can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. One common cause of myopia in children is family history. If one or both parents are myopic, their child may have a higher risk of developing myopia as well. This is because eye shape and growth patterns can be influenced by genetics. Myopia usually occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, a process known as axial elongation. When this happens, light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry. Environmental factors can also play a major role.

Children who spend long periods doing near-focused activities, such as reading, using tablets, working on computers, or playing video games, may have a higher risk of developing myopia. Reduced outdoor time is another important factor, as research suggests children who spend more time outdoors tend to have lower rates of myopia. While screen time alone may not be the only cause of myopia in children, a lifestyle with too much close-up work and not enough time outside may contribute to faster eye growth. Encouraging outdoor play, regular breaks from screens, and routine eye tests can help detect myopia early and support better long-term eye health.

How do you know if your child has myopia?

Common early signs parents notice at home:

If any of these sound familiar, the next step is simple. Try Magnif-eye, our free AI screening tool, then book a comprehensive eye test at your nearest 1001 Optometry store.

How to prevent myopia in children

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is becoming increasingly common in children, with more young people developing blurry distance vision at an earlier age. While myopia cannot always be fully prevented, healthy daily habits and early screening can help reduce the risk of it developing or slowing its progression once it starts.

One of the most important habits is outdoor time. Children should ideally spend around 2 hours outdoors each day, as natural light and looking at objects in the distance may help support healthy eye development. Parents should also manage long periods of close-up work, including screen time, reading, homework, tablets and gaming. A simple rule to follow is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, encourage your child to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Reading distance also matters. Children should avoid holding books, tablets or phones too close to their face. A comfortable distance is usually around an arm’s length away. Good lighting is also important, especially when reading or doing homework, as poor lighting can cause extra eye strain.

Because myopia can develop gradually, early screening is one of the best ways to protect your child’s vision. If your child squints, sits close to the TV, holds devices close, complains of headaches, or struggles to see the board at school, it may be time for an eye test.

To check whether your child may be at risk, try Magnif-eye, our free AI-powered myopia screening tool, before booking a comprehensive children’s eye test.

How 1001 Optometry slows myopia progression

We are brand-agnostic. Our optometrists choose the treatment that fits your child's age, prescription, lifestyle and rate of progression. The four evidence-based treatments we offer are below.

The team leading 1001 Optometry's myopia program

Edward Lee

Retail and Optometry Director

Edward leads 1001 Optometry's national children's myopia program and drives the company's strategic investment in AI-powered eye care. He pioneered the development of Magnif-eye, the world's first AI-powered children's myopia screening tool, built in partnership with HOYA Vision Care and creative agency VML, and now used by parents across Australia.

Under his leadership, 1001 Optometry has become the only Australian optical retailer offering all four evidence-based myopia treatments under one roof (Ortho-K, MiYOSMART iQ, Stellest 2.0 and atropine), the exclusive Australian launch partner for HOYA's next-generation MiYOSMART iQ lens, and the operator of the country's most comprehensive children's myopia screening network.

Edward represents 1001 Optometry at international summits including EssilorLuxottica's SWITCH Vision Innovation Summit in Monaco (2026), and works with HOYA, EssilorLuxottica and the broader optical industry to bring next-generation myopia interventions to Australian families.

"Australia is sleepwalking into a children's myopia crisis. By 2050, four in ten Australian kids will be short-sighted. We have the technology to slow it dramatically. The job now is to put that technology in front of every parent before their child's prescription gets worse."

Dr Margaret Lam

Head of Optometry

Dr Margaret Lam leads the clinical myopia program at 1001 Optometry and oversees the optometry team across our 16 clinics. She is one of Australia's most quoted media spokespeople on children's vision, and works directly with parents and optometrists to match each child to the right myopia management option in children.

"There is no one-size-fits-all myopia treatment. Ortho-K suits one child, MiYOSMART iQ suits another, atropine helps a third. The job of a myopia clinic is to make that match correctly, then monitor and adjust as the child grows."

Why parents choose 1001 Optometry for kids myopia treatment

What it costs

Comprehensive children's eye tests are bulk-billed through Medicare for eligible patients. Myopia management costs depend on the treatment chosen.

Many private health funds rebate part of the lens cost. Ask your optometrist for a tax invoice you can submit. Pricing current as of May 2026, subject to change.

Find your nearest myopia clinic

MiYOSMART iQ, Stellest 2.0 and atropine are offered at all 16 1001 Optometry clinics. Ortho-K is offered at 9 selected clinics with corneal topography equipment and trained Ortho-K optometrists.

Frequently asked questions