What advancements optometrists are hoping for in 2026: Part 1

With another successful year in eye care is coming to a close, Optometry Times took this opportunity to learn about optometrists’ view of the future and their vision for exciting developments in 2026. Their responses covered a broad range of topics.

Joseph Allen, OD, FAAO, DipABO, who is in practice in Buffalo, MN, and the creator of the Doctor Eye Health, pointed out that numerous avenues in eye care are being explored in research.

Allen noted that in the dry eye arena he has been paying close attention to the development of some therapeutics that are being evaluated for keratinization of the eyelids and more are coming.

He also mentioned an eye drop for myopia management that is of great interest and looks forward to the first data on this therapy, which may become available soon. “I am interested in seeing the data. Assuming the drug does well, there are questions about how it will come to market and affect the profession as a whole, just as with other myopia management strategies and devices that are being introduced,” Allen commented.

Cecilia Koetting, OD, FAAO, DipABO, from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, mentioned her anticipation for advances in dry eye and ocular surface disease in the neurotrophic/neuropathic area.

“I see many patients with neuropathic pain, but in some cases I don’t know how to manage them or have answers for them, because the pain is not just an ocular issue. I feel less than stellar telling them the problem is not their eyes, even though it feels like their eyes, and then referring them to another doctor. I would love to have a better way to approach this and to help these patients,” she said.

Giovanna E. Olivares, OD, from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care looks forward to the evolution of contact lens products that provide patients with the best possible experience.

“It has gone beyond giving patients great visual acuity but has extended to giving them the best performance for their vision and comfort that they can possibly have. I predict we need to go beyond 20/20,” she commented.

Shane R. Kannarr, OD, of Kannarr Eye Care in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is enjoying the level of care available in dry eye and eye care in general.

“We have a plethora of products that have come to market and we have the opportunity to address the needs of so many more patients,” he said.

However, Kannarr sees a need for more individualized care. “We need to look at better ways to diagnose so that we can tailor the specific treatment to the needs of a particular patient. I hope to see that begin to emerge in 2026,” he said.

In addition, Kannarr is looking to use of artificial intelligence (AI). “We are at a tipping point in which we are using AI to better our profession to allow us to provide better patient care to become a more integral part of the health care stream. AI helps with diagnosis, communication, and facilitating referrals. Those opportunities are very exciting for us along with all the opportunities for vision correction, improving contact lenses, and treating disease states earlier. All of these factors make the next 5 to 10 years exciting for our profession,” he said.