The L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) observed Children’s Eye Care Awareness Week across its network from November 10–16, 2025, focusing this year on the theme “Myopia Awareness.” The annual event aims to educate families about childhood eye diseases and promote early detection and timely treatment.
Engaging Activities for Children
LVPEI organized a series of interactive activities at the Kallam Anji Reddy Campus in Hyderabad, including a drawing competition and fancy-dress competition for patients, schoolchildren, and employees’ children. Students from Hillmen School and Richmond School, Banjara Hills, actively participated.
On Children’s Day, November 13, the institute honored winners with prizes, adding enthusiasm to the celebrations.
Awareness Walk Draws Strong Participation
As per the press release, the week-long programme concluded on November 16 with a large-scale awareness walk from the Kallam Anji Reddy Campus to KBR Park and back. Nearly 600 children and parents joined the walk, carrying placards urging children to spend more time outdoors and in sunlight to slow the onset of myopia.
School students from Hill Men High School (Banjara Hills), NTR Model School (Gandipet), and Vignana Jyothi Public School (Madhura Nagar) also participated, showcasing strong community involvement.
Highlighting the Growing Concern of Myopia
During the walk, LVPEI teams educated families about myopia—its signs, symptoms, causes, and the importance of early detection. Myopia, or near-sightedness, makes distant objects appear blurred while near objects remain clear.
Common signs include blurry vision, frequent headaches, rubbing or blinking of eyes, and squinting to see clearly. LVPEI urged parents and teachers to watch for these symptoms and seek immediate ophthalmic evaluation.
Understanding the Rise in Childhood Myopia
Experts emphasized that myopia is rapidly increasing worldwide and in India due to changing lifestyle patterns. Excessive screen time, insufficient outdoor play, prolonged near work, and poor lighting contribute significantly. In some cases, myopia also runs in families.
However, parents can help slow its progression by limiting screen time, encouraging outdoor activities in sunlight, and ensuring children read in adequate light while maintaining proper posture.
Expert Insights from LVPEI Specialists
Dr. Pavan Verkicharla, Myopia Researcher at LV Prasad Eye Institute, spoke about the long-term impact of untreated myopia. He explained that myopia can lead to serious complications later in life, making prevention crucial.
He highlighted LVPEI’s dedicated Myopia Clinic, which offers early guidance and evidence-based treatment. He advised parents to:
- Limit children’s screen time as much as possible.
- Encourage them to keep books at arm’s length while reading or writing.
- Use larger screens (like a TV) instead of small mobile screens for videos.
- Ensure bigger screens during online classes so children can sit farther away.
He also urged teachers and parents to monitor children who struggle to see the blackboard or distant objects and seek timely medical advice.
Addressing Myopia as a Public Health Challenge
Dr. Ramesh Kekunnaya, Head – Child Sight Institute at LV Prasad Eye Institute, stressed the growing public health burden of childhood myopia. He noted that 7–20% of Indian children currently have myopia, and this figure could rise to 50% in the next decade if preventive steps are not taken.
He emphasized three priorities:
- Early detection through regular screening
- Healthy visual habits, especially outdoor activity
- Timely interventions to prevent progression
Dr. Kekunnaya reassured parents that myopia can be effectively managed when detected early, significantly improving outcomes.
Reinforcing LVPEI’s Mission
Children’s Eye Care Awareness Week 2025 once again highlighted LVPEI’s commitment to protecting children’s vision. Through awareness activities, expert guidance, and community participation, the institute continues to empower families with the knowledge and practices needed to ensure a bright and healthy visual future for every child.