Greek-Chinese Initiative to Screen 5,000 Children for Myopia

The Emmetropia Eye Institute, under the scientific direction of Dr Ioannis M. Aslanidis, will host a major international delegation in Heraklion, Crete, from 9 to 11 November 2026, as part of an innovative international initiative known as The Cretan Model.

The initiative will introduce a pioneering Greek-Chinese platform aimed at preventing myopia and addressing dyslexia in children. Organisers describe it as the first initiative of its kind worldwide, with Crete serving as its starting point.

The project brings together Wenzhou Medical University, Eye Valley Emmetropia Eye Institute and the Hellenic Mediterranean University.

Organisers have adopted the Phaistos Disc as the campaign’s emblem, describing it as the world’s first document associated with dyslexia because researchers have yet to decipher its inscriptions.

According to Dr Ioannis M. Aslanidis, scientific director of the initiative, the programme aims to examine 5,000 children.

“Our goal is to address and manage two major contemporary challenges affecting childhood: myopia, which projections suggest could affect 50 per cent of the population by 2050, and dyslexia,” Dr Aslanidis told Ta Nea.

He highlighted China’s extensive experience in managing myopia, noting that genetic myopia can reach extremely high levels. He also referred to advances in dyslexia diagnosis and the management of reading difficulties through the RADAR method.

Dr Aslanidis added that several local business owners in Heraklion have expressed their support and want to contribute financially to the initiative.

Programme of Visits and Activities

Monday, 9 November 2026

• Arrival: Delegation members will check into the Atlantis Hotel, followed by light refreshments.
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Guided tour of the museum’s collections.
• Palace of Knossos: Guided tour exploring Crete’s Minoan heritage.
• Welcome Dinner: Fresh fish and traditional Cretan cuisine.

Tuesday, 10 November 2026

• Collection of delegation members from the hotel.
• Hellenic Mediterranean University: The Rector and academic staff will welcome the delegation for an exchange of lectures.
• Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH): Briefing and tour of the research facilities.
• Emmetropia Eye Institute: Meeting with Professor Dr Ioannis M. Aslanidis and his team, presentation of the eyeRadar technology and planning of the Cretan Model study.
• Meetings with the Regional Governor and Mayor: Courtesy visits, subject to availability.
• Return to the hotel for a break.
• Official Gala Dinner (19:30): Hosted at the Atlantis Hotel, bringing together leading figures from the medical and academic communities, local institutions and benefactors supporting initiatives addressing childhood myopia and dyslexia.

Wednesday, 11 November 2026

– Breakfast and Farewell: Transfer to the airport for departure.

Participating Organisations and Institutions

• Emmetropia Eye Institute
• Wenzhou Medical University
• Eye Valley
• Region of Crete
• Hellenic Mediterranean University
• Hellenic College of Ophthalmology

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