AAOpt 2022: ODs are seeing new and exciting updates in the ophthalmic therapeutic space

Jessica Steen, OD, FAAO, assistant professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, shares key takeaways from her 2022 AAOpt presentation.

Editor's note: This transcript has been edited for clarity.

Hi, I'm Jessica Steen, an assistant professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We're in San Diego at the American Academy of Optometry meeting, and I've had the opportunity to discuss an ophthalmic therapeutic update with our colleagues.

Now the key takeaway here is to think beyond that top line, exciting, headline-making results of clinical trial data. When you think a little bit deeper and really dig into the secondary endpoints—and to think about some of the potential safety signals, this is where we really start to determine maybe indications or patient selection for a particular product. And then we can also start to think about—as we're seeing patients in clinic—maybe some of the clinical signs that could be associated with that particular medication.

We absolutely have the unmet need of sustained release and sustained delivery products and there is continued investigation despite a very recent setback. We have had a new regulatory approval of a true first in class intraocular pressure lowering medication, and we are on the verge of a regulatory decision about a potential treatment option for a as a first in disease state option for the treatment of dry macular degeneration and specifically geographic atrophy.

You know, it's such an exciting time to be in the eye healthcare space and optimizing clinical outcomes really starts with understanding the options that are available.