World Sight Day: China's fight against myopia

Childhood myopia in China has reached critical levels, with nearly half of all students affected, prompting a shift toward systemic, school-based prevention strategies. Rather than relying solely on individual discipline, schools are implementing extended 15-minute breaks, prioritizing physical education, and conducting regular vision screenings from kindergarten onward. These initiatives, such as the "Zero Myopia" model in Yunnan, emphasize the necessity of at least two hours of daily outdoor activity to reduce eye strain and preserve hyperopic reserves. Beyond physical activity, traditional practices like daily eye exercises and consistent monitoring help instill long-term habits for eye health. Addressing this widespread issue requires a coordinated effort between families, educators, and health institutions to redesign the daily routines of children, ultimately moving beyond simple advice to create environments that actively protect vision.