66% of Hong Kong’s 8-year-olds could be short-sighted by 2028, experts warn - South China Morning Post

Eric JiangPublished: 4:51pm, 4 Oct 2026Updated: 11:01pm, 4 Oct 2026Two-thirds of Hong Kong’s eight-year-olds could be short-sighted by 2028, optometrists have predicted, citing a shrinking “hyperopic reserve” that normally helps delay nearsightedness.

The Hong Kong Association of Private Practice Optometrists released the findings on Sunday from a screening of more than 3,500 pupils at eight primary schools conducted between November and May, urging parents to begin comprehensive eye checks when children turned three.

The association found that 67 per cent of six-year-olds had less hyperopic reserve than the recommended standard of 0.75 dioptres (75 degrees), while 24 per cent were already short-sighted.