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Myopia study starts: Could your child be at risk for myopia?

Could your child be at risk for developing myopia (nearsightedness)?

If your child does not need glasses, consider taking part in a federally funded study at the New England College of Optometry, a leader in myopia research and treatment. Myopia (nearsightedness) is a major public health concern, with rapidly increasing prevalence. Myopia may increase the risk of eye diseases.

NECO researchers are seeking participants to help develop effective treatments for the prevention of myopia. The study is called PICNIC (Preventing myopia: an Investigation of Contributing Factors to Nearsightedness).  The PICNIC study is designed to learn more about the development of children’s vision as they grow.

Fun Fact: Spending time outdoors during one’s childhood lowers the risk of developing myopia and may delay its progression
Join the PICNIC study!

Study Title: PICNIC (Preventing myopia: Investigating Contributing factors to Nearsightedness In Children).

Who can participate?
To pre-qualify for this study, your child must:

  • Be 6 – 8 years old.
  • Not have myopia.
  • Not have a previously diagnosed eye condition.

Benefits

  • Reimbursement for time and travel will be provided.
  • Small token for your child at each visit.
  • Free eye exams and compensation for glasses if needed during the study period.

Study Details
If a child and his/her parent/guardian would like to partake in the study, the child will first undergo a few tests to ensure that he or she meets the inclusion criteria. If the child meets all the inclusion criteria, your child’s participation will involve 7 visits to the Children’s Vision Lab  at the New England College of Optometry over a period of 3 years.

The appointments are scheduled every six months and the child must attend all visits. Participants will undergo tests to investigate retinal image quality and visual processing factors that may contribute to the development of myopia.

The New England College of Optometry is a private optometry college located in the Back Bay of Boston. The college offers both Doctor of Optometry (OD) and Master of Science (MS) in Vision degrees. The school owns and operates the NECO Centers for Eye Care in Roslindale and Boston and has an extensive network of affiliated clinics.

Who to contact if I am interested or want to learn more?

Take action.