China steps up efforts to protect children's eyesight

Chinese authorities have pledged intensified efforts to prevent and control myopia among children and teenagers.

Provincial-level governments should take measures to reduce the proportion of children suffering from nearsightedness by more than 0.5 percent annually from 2019 to 2023, on the basis of the myopia rates in 2018, according to a statement signed by the Ministry of Education (MOE), the National Health Commission (NHC) and local governments.

Provincial-level areas with a myopia rate higher than the national average are required to decrease their rate by more than 1 percent annually during the same period.

Local governments should strengthen supervision over the eye care industry and make public information about qualified institutions and companies that provide myopia prevention and control services and products, said the statement.

Meanwhile, the MOE and the NHC pledged to enhance policy guidance, raise public awareness and train more professionals for nearsightedness prevention and control.