NE HEALTH BUREAU
CHENNAI, JUNE 10
Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, India’s largest eye care service chain operating a network of 236 facilities across 10 countries, announced its partnership with Menicon Co., Ltd., a global pioneer in contact lens innovation operating in more than 80 countries worldwide. The partnership aims to drive research and development in myopia control treatment especially in India.
Myopia and digital eye strain (DES) continue to rise at alarming rates, particularly in urban India. Myopia cases have increased significantly from 4.44% in 1999 to 21.15% in 2019 and is expected to soar to 48.14% by 2050. Similarly, DES now affects 50%–60% of children in India, driven by increased screen time, as reported in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, a Lippincott Journal.
- The MoU outlines the joint R&D efforts to develop myopia control treatment, training ophthalmologists and optometrists, raise awareness about the treatment and also favourable expansion plans in India and neighbouring regions.
- Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital and Menicon, backed by the Japanese Government, have begun clinical studies in India using Menicon Bloom Night™, an orthokeratology lens which is worn overnight to improve vision
- Orthokeratology lenses are custom-made and designed to gently reshape the cornea to correct myopia
- By 2050, myopia incidence is projected to reach 50%, driving our collaboration with Menicon to tackle this pressing issue: Dr Ashvin Agarwal, Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital
In response to this escalating challenge, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital in collaboration with Menicon, backed by the Japanese Government, have initiated a study to explore effective strategies for controlling and mitigating these vision-related issues.
This landmark clinical study was launched by Research and Development Unit of the Clinical Board of Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital in February 2025 aiming to analyse the rising cases in myopia in Indian children. This collaboration strengthened by an MOU not only sets a foundation of joint R&D in myopia, but also outlines training ophthalmologists and optometrists, patient awareness drives and expansion plans of contact lens business in India and the neighbouring regions.
Recognising the rapid rise of myopia, especially India and East Asia, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital and Menicon have begun clinical studies in India using Menicon Bloom Night™, an orthokeratology lens which is worn overnight to improve vision. This study aimed to check the efficacy and safety of the orthokeratology lens for Indian children.
Orthokeratology lenses are custom-made and designed to gently reshape the cornea to correct myopia. They provide a non-invasive solution to slow myopia progression. These lenses are worn in the night allowing wearers to experience clear vision during the day hereby averting the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Speaking about the partnership, Dr Ashvin Agarwal, Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital said, “By 2050, myopia incidence is projected to reach 50%, driving our collaboration with Menicon to tackle this pressing issue. At Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, we are committed towards innovation, research and development in eye care in India. Our association with Menicon will help us take the first step towards slowing myopia progression through the introduction of an orthokeratology lens which promises to improve vision for children. Both the organisations will work towards advancing orthokeratology and promoting its adoption for better eye health in India.”
In his comments, Shunsuke Yamagishi, Regional Director of China & Asia-Oceania International Business Head Office, Menicon Co., Ltd. said, “With the growing challenges of myopia, our partnership with Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital marks a significant step towards tackling this issue. With our clinical studies in India, we aim to develop solutions and raise awareness about the treatment. We believe that our partnership will create impactful knowledge and treatment in myopia in India and beyond.”
