May-June. 2025 | The HEALTH
EYE HEALTH 13
Embracing digital eye care
• Digital eye strain has risen to over 60 per cent post-pandemic, requiring immediate attention
• Committed to enhancing awareness among ECPs and patients on managing digital eye strain effectively
• JNJVISIONPRO enhances skills for ECPs with adaptable learning
IN an era where screens dominate our daily lives, Goh Kok How, Business Unit Leader for Vision Care Malaysia Brunei at Vision at Johnson & Johnson( Vision, J & J), is championing a critical conversation about digital eye strain( DES).
Johnson & Johnson Institute( JJI) symposium, themed ' Eyes in Pixels: Prioritising Digital Eye Care for the Screen-Driven Generation ', aimed to raise awareness about DES, a condition that has seen a dramatic rise in prevalence since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
" This symposium demonstrates our commitment to the eye health industry," Goh stated, acknowledging the investment of time and resources made by attendees." We want to continue to build the eye health landscape."
ADDRESSING UNTAPPED CONCERN
Goh noted that prior to 2020, the reported prevalence of DES was around five per cent. However, the shift to digital platforms during the pandemic has seen this figure soar to over 60 per cent.
He identified DES as an untapped area in eye care, particularly concerning for parents as children as young as six are now experiencing symptoms.
" It ' s not just about the digital devices themselves, but the consequences of DES."
By highlighting this issue, Vision, J & J aims to empower eye care practitioners( ECPs) to address and manage these symptoms effectively.
EYE CARE PRACTITIONER ' S ROLE
Goh believes that ECPs play a vital role in guiding patients to seek help when experiencing symptoms such as headaches or tired eyes.
He stressed that the burden of DES should not be taken lightly and that patients should turn to their ECPs for solutions.
" When a patient suffers from those symptoms, they should go to their respective ECPs."
The symposium serves as a crucial platform for sharing knowledge and resources about digital eye care. Goh emphasised the importance of making DES a common language in every eye care practice.
" After this symposium, we want DES to be a common language," he reiterated, encouraging ECPs to adopt this focus in their daily interactions with patients.
Patients should seek appropriate professional healthcare advice.
ENHANCING SKILLS
A significant part of Vision, J & J ' s strategy involves leveraging the newly launched JNJVISIONPRO, a learning management system
Goh Kok How
“ When a patient suffers from those symptoms, they should go to their respective eye care practitioner.”
DEDICATED VISION: Goh Kok How emphasises commitment to eye health as he welcomes delegates to the symposium. designed to enhance the skills of ECPs.
" We are very privileged because Malaysia is one of the early adopters," Goh remarked, noting that the platform has already seen success in Singapore and Australia.
JNJVISIONPRO offers a flexible learning environment, allowing busy practitioners to access training materials anytime and anywhere, whether on a computer, tablet, or mobile device.
" We want learning to be at the fingertips of an ECP," Goh affirmed.
INNOVATING FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, Goh highlighted the importance of product innovation in combating DES.
Vision, J & J is poised to launch a new line of contact lenses equipped with blue light filtering technology aimed explicitly at middle-aged patients suffering from the symptoms associated with prolonged screen use.
" Stay tuned for the newest contact lens," he teased, underscoring the company ' s commitment to addressing this growing concern.
Goh expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the participants of the symposium. " I am truly appreciative of their time," he said, hoping that the knowledge shared during the event would enhance their ability to serve patients.
" For us, there is nothing more joyful than being in partnership with our eye care practitioners in serving our patients."
The insights shared by Goh and the initiatives spearheaded by Vision, J & J are crucial in fostering a healthier future for eye care.
The emphasis on digital eye care not only addresses a pressing issue but also paves the way for innovative solutions that will benefit ECPs and patients alike in the years to come.– The HEALTH
2025PP09127