At the Collaborative Care Symposium, Rachelle Lin, OD, MS, FAAO, highlighted how newer retinal therapies are addressing treatment gaps by offering extended dosing intervals without compromising efficacy—ultimately easing the burden on both patients and providers.
Retinal vascular occlusions, neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic macular edema (DME) represent some of the most challenging chronic eye conditions managed in partnership between optometrists and retinal specialists. At the recent Collaborative Care Symposium, Rachelle Lin, OD, MS, FAAO, highlighted how newer retinal therapies are addressing treatment gaps by offering extended dosing intervals without compromising efficacy—ultimately easing the burden on both patients and providers.
Many patients with retinal conditions face monthly intravitreal injections, leading to treatment fatigue and, in some cases, dropout. According to Lin, newer anti-VEGF agents and sustained-delivery therapies are reducing this burden. These innovations offer optometrists an opportunity to reengage patients who may have fallen off the treatment path.
“As optometrists, we play a key role in making timely referrals, not just at diagnosis but throughout the treatment journey,” Lin emphasized. “We can help ensure patients stay engaged with their care by educating them on new options and supporting them between ophthalmology visits.”
Optometrists are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing visual changes. Lin encouraged her colleagues to take an active role in educating patients about what to expect during treatment, especially as protocols evolve.
“We need to make sure our patients are informed, motivated, and understand the importance of follow-up,” she said. “If they’re uncomfortable with their treatment plan, we should prompt them to speak with their ophthalmologist about other options.”
Lin works closely with retinal specialists, particularly in cases where patients also require low vision rehabilitation. She noted that many of her patients see both their ophthalmologist for disease management and her clinic for tools like magnifiers, updated prescriptions, and DMV evaluations.
“Retinal specialists are doing an amazing job with cutting-edge treatments,” she said. “But once patients reach a certain point, they need support in living with reduced vision. That’s where we step in.”
Lin concluded, “By learning together and working together, we can support patients through the entire spectrum of their care journey.”
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