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Dear NEHEP Partners,
August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, which makes it a great time to spread the word about pediatric vision care with our summer newsletter. Early detection and prompt treatment of eye conditions that start in childhood are foundational for maximizing vision throughout an individual’s lifetime. Explore this issue’s resources and tips for healthy vision and share them with the parents and caregivers in your community.
We also want to thank everyone who helped promote the 2026 Eye on the Future teen video contest. Now in its fifth year, we received over 116 submissions, and we’re excited to share the winning videos with you. These extraordinary students continue to impress us with their creativity, curiosity, video editing and storytelling skills. Be sure to watch these young scientists’ videos and get inspired.
Best regards,
Kathryn DeMott
Acting Director, National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP)
National Eye Institute
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Watch the 2026 Eye on the Future winning videos
Three talented students have won the grand prize in the NEI 2026 Eye on the Future teen video contest. The competition aims to showcase talented young people interested in science. To enter, high school students submitted a short video exploring science in their world, science in action, or science in their future. Winners were selected based on the accuracy of the scientific content, relevance, creativity, and their ability to engage viewers.
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NEI launches clinical trial testing therapies that slow childhood myopia progression
The Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG), a research network supported by the National Eye Institute (NEI), has launched a new clinical trial to evaluate whether specialized eyeglasses, atropine 0.05% eye drops, or a combination of both can slow the progression of childhood myopia (nearsightedness). The study will enroll approximately 348 children across the United States and aims to provide new evidence on strategies to help reduce the long-term risks associated with progressive myopia.
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In case you missed it: 2026 Healthy Vision Month Webinar
In recognition of Healthy Vision Month in May, the National Eye Institute’s National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) hosted the webinar: “What can you do today to protect your vision for years to come?”
The engaging and interactive session brought together experts in vision research, clinical care, public health, and patient advocacy to share simple, everyday actions that can help support lifelong eye health.
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Children’s Vision and Eye Patching Educational Resources
Elio, the main character in the Disney/Pixar film released in 2025, wears an eye patch. In response, Prevent Blindness took the opportunity to raise awareness about eye patching and children’s vision by developing new resources for families. These include a webpage, infographic, and the Focus on Children’s Vision video series featuring children who wear or have worn eye patches, along with insights from Sandra Block, O.D., D.O.S, president of the World Council of Optometry.
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Learn about the different types of childhood glaucoma
In BrightFocus Foundation’s new Glaucoma Chat podcast, Javaneh Abbasian, M.D., associate professor of clinical ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, discusses the different types of childhood glaucoma, including primary congenital, infantile, and juvenile glaucoma. She also discusses the role of genetics and associated systemic diseases, trauma-induced cases, and diagnosis and treatment.
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Protect kids’ eyes throughout their life
As children grow, their eyes change quickly. Paying careful attention to their eye health is a good way to catch problems early, while their eyes are still developing. To help, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) spotlights “20 Things to Know About Children’s Eyes and Vision”.
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Support children with retinopathy of prematurity
Babies who are born prematurely or who weigh less than 3 pounds at birth are at risk for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which can cause vision loss. To help parents and professionals support children with ROP, Prevent Blindness offers educational materials in English and Spanish with information on ROP causes and treatment.
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Prevent Blindness Rolls Out: Children’s Vision Screening Certification Course
Prevent Blindness has launched a newly updated, expert-reviewed Children’s Vision Screening Certification Course. Enrollees will learn how to use evidence-based screening practices with the goal of improving the accuracy of eye screening programs to help put kids on the path to a lifetime of healthy vision.
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An Eye Health Information Tool Kit for Parents and Caregivers
The toolkit from the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health (NCCVEH) and the National Head Start Association provides parents and caregivers with the information, suggested actions, and assistance they need to be empowered partners in their children’s vision and eye health, as well as their own.
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Explore the Future of Retina at ASRS 2026
Registration is open for the 44th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) from July 15–18, 2026, in Montréal, Canada.
Join global leaders in retina for a dynamic program featuring rapid-fire presentations, in-depth case discussions, and a continued focus on investigator-led research and innovative surgical techniques. This year’s meeting will also include interactive learning experiences in the expanded Experience Center, immersive exhibits showcasing cutting-edge technologies, and new opportunities for collaboration across the international retina community.
| | Other Events and Resources | |
July 22: The American Foundation for the Blind will host a webinar on aging and vision loss, sharing early research findings on unmet needs, service gaps, and opportunities to improve care for older adults. A live Q&A will follow; registration details coming soon.
August 6: Prevent Blindness will host the virtual webinar “Collaborative Solutions for Expanding Eye Care Access in Special Populations.” This session will highlight strategies to improve access to care for underserved communities through partnerships and public health approaches.
August 7–9: The American Academy of Ophthalmology will host the Global Ophthalmology Summit in Philadelphia. Attendees can build networks and explore collaborations to further enhance global eye care.
Resource: The American Optometric Association published a resource on vision health in school-aged children highlighting the vision competencies needed for school.
Resource(s): The Glaucoma Research Foundation provides an overview of congenital glaucoma, a rare condition that can appear in infancy or early childhood, including key symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of early detection.
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Childhood Glaucoma, a 28-page educational booklet (PDF) from the Glaucoma Research Foundation, covers symptoms, treatment options, management strategies, and what to expect. Download this free reference guide for parents and professionals caring for children with glaucoma.
The Eye Health Connection is a newsletter developed with the input of NEHEP Partners and shared with the community of NEHEP’s 60+ partner organizations. The links are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only, they do not constitute an endorsement by the National Eye Institute or its employees.
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