Public Lecture on Myopia Management

Professor Nicola Logan is a professor in optometry and physiological optics at the School of Optometry

Lecture on 11 March 2024, will explain the importance of treating myopia in children to reduce the likelihood of eye disease in later life.

Nicola Logan, professor of optometry and physiological optics at the School of Optometry at Aston University, will give a public lecture on the importance of treating myopia in children on 11 March 2024.

The prevalence of myopia, more commonly known as shortsightedness, has risen significantly in recent years, particularly amongst children. In the UK, prevalence has doubled in the last 50 years, and in East Asia, it has risen to over 70% in adolescents.

Myopia is generally thought of as a benign condition, but it is linked to a number of eye health risks, including retinal detachment, maculopathy and glaucoma. It is also one of the top 10 most frequent causes of sight impairment due to the longer eye in myopia causing a greater risk of eye disease. The increasing prevalence has sparked concerns about the long-term impact of myopia on both an individual’s eye health and the cost to public health.

In her lecture entitled ‘Unveiling myopia: Changing the paradigm from correction to control’, Professor Logan will explain her research on the nature of myopia, the growing evidence base on strategies to control eye growth in children and translation of these findings to clinical practice.

At Aston University, Professor Logan researches the development, progression and management of myopia. She runs an active myopia research lab and a clinical service in myopia management. Her work includes laboratory experiments and clinical trials of strategies to slow myopia progression in children.

Professor Logan said:

“I have been interested in myopia since I developed it aged 10. It is a lifelong condition with many unanswered questions as to why it develops and progresses. At Aston University, I’ve had the freedom to research in the field of myopia amidst a supportive, collegiate environment.”

Professor Leon Davies, professor of optometry and physiological optics and interim head of the School of Optometry, said:

“As a global expert in myopia and an internationally respected presenter, Professor Logan’s inaugural lecture will fascinate anyone interested in vision, as she explores the innovative approaches clinical researchers are developing to manage myopia now and in the future.”

The lecture on 11 March 2024 will take place at 18:30 GMT in the Susan Cadbury Lecture Theatre at Aston Business School. It will also be streamed online. For tickets please visit the Eventbrite page. The event is free of charge and will be followed by a drinks reception.