Jakarta, October 16, 2024 – Dr. Andreas Surya Anugrah, Sp.M, FICS, AIFO-K, CP.NLP, a lecturer in the Clinical Department at the Faculty of Medicine, President University, was invited as a speaker on Kemencast (the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Podcast), with the topic "The Rising Cases of Myopia in Children: Can It Be Treated?". The event, organized by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia through the Bureau of Communication and Public Services, was broadcast live on the Ministry of Health’s YouTube channel on October 16, 2024. Click here to access the recording of the educational session.
In this podcast, Dr. Andreas discussed the increasing cases of myopia in children, which is in line with the growing use of digital devices since the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained that prolonged near-vision activities without proper management are the primary trigger for myopia in children. It is estimated that by 2050, half of the world’s population will require glasses due to myopia.
Dr. Andreas also emphasized that early detection (screening) of myopia in children, along with parental awareness to seek immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist, is key to controlling the rise in cases. He mentioned that glasses remain one of the most effective treatments for managing myopia. Additionally, Dr. Andreas encouraged the importance of increasing outdoor activities and limiting screen time as preventive measures.
The event, held at the Kemenkes Podcast Studio, Adhyatma Building, 9th Floor, urged the public, especially parents, to be more attentive to their children's eye health and to take preventive actions to reduce the impact of the increasing cases of myopia. Dr. Andreas Surya Anugrah, who is not only an Ophthalmologist but also an Eye Health Educator, highlighted the need for collaboration between ophthalmologists, parents, and schools to support children's eye health in this digital era.
With the involvement of the Faculty of Medicine President University in this national event, it is hoped that more parents and healthcare professionals will gain a better understanding of the importance of early detection and prevention of myopia in children.