In order to enhance the promotion of myopia prevention and control, explore innovative approaches to talent development in vision health, elevate the service quality of professionals, foster the high-quality growth of the vision health industry, and safeguard the visual well-being of children and young adults, the "Seminar on Talent Training for Preventing and Controlling Children and Adolescents' Myopia, and Vision Health Development" was held in Hangzhou on 30-31 May.

The event was hosted by the Open University of China (OUC) and received support from the Health Human Resources Development Centre of the National Health Commission.

 

Prominent figures who graced the occasion included Ju Chuanjin, director of the Community Education Research and Training Centre of the Ministry of Education and Chairman of the OUC Education Foundation; Hu Yang, director of Department of External Education and Training at OUC; Feng Liguo, chairman of OUC Publishing and Media Group; and Pan Yong, chairman of Bell & Horn Education and Technology .

On-site Meeting

With the objective of preserving the visual well-being of children and adolescents and under the theme of "Prioritizing Talent through Vision Care," the seminar delved into the present state and future trajectory of talent development concerning myopia prevention and control in children and adolescents. Additionally, it addressed advancements in myopia prevention and control technologies and academic research.

During his speech, Ju Chuanjin emphasized that General Secretary Xi Jinping has consistently shown great concern for the matter of children and adolescents' vision health in China. He highlighted that myopia among this demographic not only severely impacts their physical and mental well-being but also holds significant implications for the future of the nation and its people. Consequently, it is crucial to prioritize this issue.

Ju Chuanjin further stated that the OUC has long been involved in vocational and technical training initiatives and, therefore, should leverage its strengths to collaborate with relevant ministries, government agencies, and industries in fulfilling its responsibilities. He mentioned that in January 2022, the OUC joined forces with the Health Human Resource Development Centre, NHC, to launch a vocational skill training programme for healthcare professionals.

In line with General Secretary Xi Jinping's important directives on addressing children and adolescents' myopia, both parties proactively assumed their responsibilities and harnessed their abundant resources to carry out vocational skills training for the prevention and control of myopia in this specific age group.

Fang Jianning, member of the Party Committee and deputy director of the Health Human Resource Development Centre, NHC

Fang Jianning, a member of the Party Committee and deputy director of the Health Human Resource Development Centre, NHC, expressed that General Secretary Xi Jinping has provided significant instructions regarding the visual health of children and adolescents, highlighting its importance for the future of the nation. The National Health Commission has placed great emphasis on this matter and has made the prevention and control of myopia in children and adolescents a top priority in the implementation of the Healthy China Initiative.

Recognizing the pivotal role of talent in the development of myopia prevention and control for this age group, the OUC and the Health Human Resource Development Centre, NHC have collaborated to introduce a vocational skill training programme for healthcare professionals. This programme establishes an innovative "education + health" training model for technical talents. By leveraging their respective strengths and facilitating resource sharing, the training model emphasizes the separation of examination and training, quality control, and adherence to justified and scientific approaches.

Of utmost importance in this programme is the prioritization of skills development in "myopia prevention and control for children and adolescents," aiming to effectively train national-level talent in this field.

Photo of OUC participants at the conference

The exhibition area of the seminar showcased the latest technologies, techniques, and equipment in myopia prevention and control, creating a platform for talent training, learning, and exchange. This enabled participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of the advancements in myopia prevention and control efforts.

The seminar offered a scientific and in-depth analysis of the significance of myopia prevention and control in children and adolescents, emphasizing the necessity of talent training. It served as a platform for diverse stakeholders in society to convene and discuss the construction of talent training programmes focused on myopia prevention and control for this demographic. The ultimate aim was to collectively promote the high-quality development of children and adolescents' vision health and make valuable contributions to the training of professionals in the vision health industry.

The conference's successful conclusion was made possible by the collective concern, participation, and support from various sectors of society, including enterprises, hospitals, schools, and individuals. The event witnessed the attendance of nearly 1,000 individuals, while the online live streaming attracted nearly 500,000 viewers. As of 6 June, the video recording has been replayed close to 100,000 times.

 

By OUC