Optometry 411 https://optometry.industry411.com/ The 411 for Optometry Professionals Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:50:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://optometry.industry411.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-Optometry411-32x32.png Optometry 411 https://optometry.industry411.com/ 32 32 MAR 30 | Virtual CE: Refer This, Not That: Retinal Decision Making https://optometry.industry411.com/mar-30-virtual-ce-refer-this-not-that-retinal-decision-making/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mar-30-virtual-ce-refer-this-not-that-retinal-decision-making Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:33:11 +0000 https://optometry.industry411.com/?p=1718 Knowing when to refer a patient to the retina clinic can be a challenge. Often, multimodal imaging yields results that are challenging to interpret and subtle in presentation. This course, hosted by Optometric Education Consultants, will investigate various retinal conditions that are commonly encountered in optometry practices including epiretinal membrane, commotio retinae, vitreomacular traction, partial […]

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]]> Knowing when to refer a patient to the retina clinic can be a challenge. Often, multimodal imaging yields results that are challenging to interpret and subtle in presentation.

This course, hosted by Optometric Education Consultants, will investigate various retinal conditions that are commonly encountered in optometry practices including epiretinal membrane, commotio retinae, vitreomacular traction, partial thickness and full thickness macular holes, retinal tears/detachments, and lattice degeneration.

Open-ended discussion will be used to interact with the audience and discuss clinical pearls that will guide management decisions. Should I refer this — or not?

Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Price: $50 for CE credit/$10 for no credit

Register here.

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]]> MAR 28 – 30 | CRU Eye Symposium https://optometry.industry411.com/mar-28-30-cru-eye-symposium/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mar-28-30-cru-eye-symposium Tue, 18 Feb 2025 13:59:38 +0000 https://optometry.industry411.com/?p=1709 CRU, an acronym for “Current, Relevant, and Useful,” reflects the nature of the education shared during the event. This symposium is designed for eye care professionals and prioritizes interpersonal interactions, and striking the perfect balance between formal education and interactive experiences. Date: March 28 – 30, 2025 Location: Napa, CA What to expect Esteemed speakers, […]

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]]> CRU, an acronym for “Current, Relevant, and Useful,” reflects the nature of the education shared during the event. This symposium is designed for eye care professionals and prioritizes interpersonal interactions, and striking the perfect balance between formal education and interactive experiences.

Date: March 28 – 30, 2025
Location: Napa, CA

What to expect

Esteemed speakers, clinicians, and researchers in the eye care field present on topics such as anterior segment disease, glaucoma, retina, advanced contact lenses, myopia management, and more. The CRU Eye Symposium aims to become the most significant annual conference for influential figures in the ophthalmic field. As we move forward, we are eager to continue fostering the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

See more details at the registration link below.

Register here.

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]]> Eyecare Republic Welcomes Rita Shallin as Director of Business Development  https://optometry.industry411.com/eyecare-republic-welcomes-rita-shallin-as-director-of-business-development/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=eyecare-republic-welcomes-rita-shallin-as-director-of-business-development Mon, 17 Feb 2025 16:40:56 +0000 https://optometry.industry411.com/?p=1697 PLANO, Texas —  Eyecare Republic (ECR) is excited to announce the appointment of Rita Shallin as its Director of Business Development. Rita brings extensive sales and marketing experience from her two decades working in several industries, having spent the last eight years in the optometric alliance space.  Her time at IDOC focused on business development […]

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]]> PLANO, Texas —  Eyecare Republic (ECR) is excited to announce the appointment of Rita Shallin as its Director of Business Development. Rita brings extensive sales and marketing experience from her two decades working in several industries, having spent the last eight years in the optometric alliance space. 

Her time at IDOC focused on business development by providing exceptional member experience and showcasing the right vendor partners and services to help her member’s practices thrive. She was a top sales leader and coach. She has supported hundreds of eyecare practice owners as their trusted advisor earning her the respect of her doctors and peers. Her guidance in helping eyecare professionals reach their practice goals by better understanding their practice needs is unmatched. 

If you are interested in learning more about Eyecare Republic and our vision, please reach out to info@eyecarerepublic.com.

Eyecare Republic is shaping the future of eyecare by uniting forward-thinking doctors in a dynamic alliance. This isn’t just a network — it’s a movement to advance patient care, strengthen practices, and empower the next generation of leaders in optometry. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we’re creating a brighter future for eyecare professionals and the communities they serve. Join us as we build an alliance that transforms challenges into opportunities and drives success across the industry.

Learn more at eyecarerepublic.com.

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]]> Must-Attend Sessions for ODs at Vision Expo East 2025 https://optometry.industry411.com/must-attend-sessions-for-ods-at-vision-expo-east-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=must-attend-sessions-for-ods-at-vision-expo-east-2025 Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:40:38 +0000 https://optometry.industry411.com/?p=1635 Creating an itinerary for Vision Expo East can be overwhelming. We’ve pored over the program schedule to help save you a little time. Our hand-picked list features a mix of educational sessions that cover technological advancements, clinical breakthroughs, and business strategies to help increase your bottom line. Whether you’re attending the conference or not, have […]

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]]> Creating an itinerary for Vision Expo East can be overwhelming. We’ve pored over the program schedule to help save you a little time.

Our hand-picked list features a mix of educational sessions that cover technological advancements, clinical breakthroughs, and business strategies to help increase your bottom line.

Whether you’re attending the conference or not, have a look and let us know which of these (or any other topics) you’re most interested in — we’ll be sure to cover them for you. Simply type your requests in the text box at the end of this article.

1. Myopia Control Program: In-Depth Exploration of Myopia Management Solutions: From Lenses to Pharmaceuticals

Date: Wednesday, February 19
Time: 10:10 – 11:10 a.m.

Novel treatment and management devices for myopia progression are emerging every few months in the areas of glasses, contact lenses, pharmaceuticals, and photobiomodulation. This course will clue you in on what you need to know. For those looking to drill down on myopia management, you might follow it up with Myopia Control Program: Building a Myopia-Busting Practice Blueprint at 11:25 a.m.

2. New Technology Showcase: Speed Dating With New Technology: Get To Know Your Equipment Before You Take It Home

Date: Wednesday, February 19
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

We have an array of new and advanced technology to assist us as we navigate the clinical journey. This workshop will provide a didactic plus a hands-on approach to new diagnostic- and treatment-related technology.

3. The Good, the Bad, the Orals

Date: Wednesday, February 19
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Through case examples, this course will review the impact oral medications (of all kinds) have on your patients and practice of optometry.

4. Elevating the Patient Care Experience Through Technology and AI

Date: Wednesday, February 19
Time: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

You’ve read and heard so much about AI integration, but you’re still not sure what to DO with it. With a focus on enhancing the patient care experience, this course will show you how diagnostic equipment and patient communication systems and tools can help.

5. Is IPL Right For My Patient?

Date: Thursday, February 20
Time: 7:15 – 8:15 a.m.

Light therapies are gaining steam. If you have no experience with IPL, this lecture is for you. Wake up early for an introduction to IPL theory, patient selection, device use, and cosmetic side effects of this therapeutic application. The goal is to get you comfortable with performing the procedures. Note: There’s also an IPL workshop at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday.

6. Roadmap to Medical Management of Glaucoma

Date: Thursday, February 20
Time: 9:45 – 11:45 a.m.

Optometrists are often looking for a recipe on how to treat glaucoma, and this is no such document in existence. Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease and each patient responds differently to medications and not all patients need the same level or type of therapy. Using clinical trials and a combined 60 years of clinical experience, the speakers will present applicable data that you can incorporate to better manage your glaucoma patients.

7. Ask the Experts: When Your Patient Has OSD

Date: Thursday, February 20
Time: 9:45 – 11:45 a.m.

In this new series, experts are on hand to exemplify how they diagnose and manage ocular diseases. In this course ocular surface disease is defined and treatment options are discussed among the panel. With cases presented and differing points of view, this course is meant to create a safe space for disease management. Bring your questions!

8. Summit: Advancing Optometric Care: Early Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies for Glaucoma and Geographic Atrophy

Date: Thursday, February 20
Time: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

A deep dive into the latest advancements in the early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and geographic atrophy. This session will equip you with practical insights on identifying key clinical signs, utilizing advanced imaging modalities, and implementing evidence-based treatment strategies.

9. Innovations in Business

Date: Thursday, February 20
Time: 5 – 6 p.m.

As optometry evolves, so do the business processes that are utilized to support the care. This course will look at innovative ways to manage the business aspect of our practice to ultimately improve patient outcomes.

10. Elevate Your Practice: Success Strategies for Growth & Impact

Date: Friday, February 21
Time: 9:45 – 11:45 a.m.

This lecture will discuss strategies to maximize practice success for ECPs. Focus on practice margins, building an effective team, and embracing social media as the foundational elements of practice success. You’ll learn about real-world practice examples.

11. Problem Solving and Glaucoma Management

Date: Friday, February 21
Time: 9:45 – 11:45 a.m.

There’s quite a bit of glaucoma content on Friday. This course will provide a person-centered, evidence-based approach to management of individuals with glaucoma with challenging clinical presentation or course of disease. Learn about current and emerging technology and pharmaceutical agents. Relatedly, you might also check out Glaucoma Myth Busters at 5 p.m. before you head to dinner.

12. Summit: Personalized Care for Myopia, Presbyopia, Ocular Surface, and Eyelid Margin Health

Date: Friday, February 21
Time: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

If your schedule is packed, this course will efficiently cover a lot of clinical ground in a short time. Learn about risk assessment of these conditions, the integration of new technologies, and individualized treatment protocols for these patients.

13. A Quick Start Guide to Drops: From Lubricants to Autologous

Date: Friday, February 21
Time: 5 – 6 p.m.

Understand the spectrum of eye drops, from everyday lubricants to advanced autologous solutions such as PRP, PRGF and ASED. This course provides essential insights into the applications and benefits of various eye drops, aiming to enhance your eye care practices. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned users, you’ll gain valuable insights into choosing the right drop for your patients.

14. Rapidly Changing Landscape of Refractive Technology

Date: Saturday, February 22
Time: 7:15 – 8:15 a.m.

Rise and shine to learn about cornea and lens based procedures, discuss considerations for myopic, hyperopic, astigmatic, and presbyopic correction, IOL lens optics, new devices for visual simulation, and the importance of myopia control in the concept of comprehensive refractive management.

15. Mastering Dry Eye Billing & Coding for Maximum Profitability

Date: Saturday, February 22
Time: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Dry eye is hot right now. Learn the basic rules on how to choose your OV, bill tests, procedures, and out of pocket treatments. Appreciate the increasing ROI of treating DE at different levels. Put your purchases to the test.

16. Telehealth Is Here to Stay. Really!

Date: Saturday, February 22
Time: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Explore everything you need to know about telehealth in optometry. Once past the technical, system, and billing issues, most patients and providers found the interactions productive and even preferable for many types of visits.

Editor’s note: Optometry 411 will be on the scene at Vision Expo East, gathering intel on trends, pressing issues, new tech, and more. Come see us at the Eyecare Republic booth (PAN1957).

Reply below and let us know which sessions or general topics you’d like us to cover in more detail.

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]]> Why Your Optometry Practice Needs NPS (and How To Use It Right) https://optometry.industry411.com/why-your-optometry-practice-needs-nps-and-how-to-use-it-right/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-your-optometry-practice-needs-nps-and-how-to-use-it-right Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:39:38 +0000 https://optometry.industry411.com/?p=1569 If you’re not measuring patient satisfaction in your optometry practice, you’re missing out on one of the simplest ways to grow your business. Patients and customers who leave happy come back. And beyond that, they tell their friends and family. But how can you track patient happiness without a lot of hassle? That’s where the […]

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]]> If you’re not measuring patient satisfaction in your optometry practice, you’re missing out on one of the simplest ways to grow your business. Patients and customers who leave happy come back. And beyond that, they tell their friends and family. But how can you track patient happiness without a lot of hassle?

That’s where the Net Promoter Score (NPS) comes in.

What’s NPS, and why should you care?

NPS is a quick and effective way to measure patient loyalty. It’s based on a single question:

“On a scale from 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend our practice to a friend or family member?”

  • 9-10 rating: These are your biggest fans, your Promoters. They love your care and are likely to refer others.
  • 7-8 rating: The Passives. They’re satisfied but not enthusiastic. They won’t badmouth you, but they won’t rave about you either.
  • 0-6 rating: Your Detractors. Something didn’t sit right with them, and they might even discourage others from coming to your practice.

To calculate your score, simply subtract the percentage of Detractors from the percentage of Promoters. A positive NPS is good, anything over 50 is great, and above 70 — well, you’re crushing it.

Why it matters for ODs

As we know, loyal patients mean steady revenue and the boon of free referrals. And with online reviews playing such a big role in healthcare decisions these days, a solid base of Promoters can have a huge impact on your practice.

Plus, tracking NPS over time helps you spot patterns. You’ll quickly notice if scores are slipping. Maybe your wait times are creeping up, or patients aren’t getting enough frame selection advice. Having the ability to catch these issues early will keep your practice competitive.

How to collect NPS (without annoying your patients)

Keep it simple and convenient. You know what it’s like on the patient/consumer side; you’ve been there. Here’s what works:

  • Send an NPS survey via text or email shortly after an appointment. You can set this up to happen through your patient communication system.
  • Use a tablet at checkout for quick responses.
  • Include a short comment box so patients can tell you why they scored you the way they did.

To make NPS collection smooth, designate specific team members to own the process.

The goal is to grab this data point without overwhelming your staff or adding unnecessary admin headaches.

What comes next

You’ve got to actually assess and act on the results (we suggest a timeline for this below). If you see multiple Detractors complain about rushed exams, it’s time to look at your scheduling. If Promoters say they love your staff, reinforce that positive patient experience! After we return from Vision Expo East, we’ll share a really great team-building reward system you might employ to do this.

Take action with your Detractors, too. A personal email or call asking how you can improve could turn an unhappy patient into a loyal one. As we noted in our steps to take if you receive a bad online review: At the end of the day, patients value authenticity and actions that show you care.

NPS evaluation timeline:

You or an office manager might skim through responses once a week for any immediate red flags. Those team check-ins you’ve hopefully scheduled out for the entire year? Include evaluation of these NPS scores on the agenda. What’s working? What needs improvement? Discuss any patient comments.

And then, plan to do a quarterly deep dive. Compare scores over time and set small goals. Example: If your NPS is 45 and your goal is to hit 60, what specific improvements can be made?

Bottom line: If you’re not already tracking patient loyalty, NPS is going to be the easiest way to start.

Use this one simple question and see what insights you uncover.

The post Why Your Optometry Practice Needs NPS (and How To Use It Right) appeared first on Optometry 411.

]]> AI Updates in Glaucoma Detection: Latest Studies and Info https://optometry.industry411.com/ai-updates-in-glaucoma-detection-latest-studies-and-info/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ai-updates-in-glaucoma-detection-latest-studies-and-info Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:46:58 +0000 https://optometry.industry411.com/?p=1581 Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness, often sneaking up on patients with little to no warning. Screenings are incredibly important, and with the rise of artificial intelligence, your early detection toolkit is poised to get a serious upgrade. Recent studies are shedding light on AI’s potential to make glaucoma screening more accurate, efficient, […]

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]]> Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness, often sneaking up on patients with little to no warning. Screenings are incredibly important, and with the rise of artificial intelligence, your early detection toolkit is poised to get a serious upgrade.

Recent studies are shedding light on AI’s potential to make glaucoma screening more accurate, efficient, and equitable. But how will this tech ultimately fit into your daily practice? Let’s take a look at the latest and break it down.

AI that sees what you see — and more

A new study published in npj Digital Medicine introduced an AI model designed to detect glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) using retinal images. It has been trained to perform equitably across diverse populations, addressing concerns about racial and ethnic bias in AI-based healthcare tools. That’s a big deal, considering many AI models have struggled with accuracy discrepancies among different demographics.

A study in Scientific Reports took things a step further, using optical coherence tomography (OCT) combined with explainable AI to both detect glaucoma and assess its stage. What makes this unique? Instead of just spitting out results, the AI actually shows you how it reached its conclusion, making it easier for you to trust and interpret its findings.

What does this mean for ODs?

These updates are in line with the general promise of AI in clinical applications. It brings us a couple steps closer to faster, more reliable screenings to improve early detection — AI can process thousands of images in a fraction of the time it takes a human, which will help flag at-risk patients sooner.

It’s also some positive movement on the crucial issue of AI diagnostic accuracy and fairness across all patient demographics.

Down the line, as the tech becomes even more refined, expect a boost to your clinical confidence. In the study above, AI paired with OCT didn’t just provide a “black box” result but also highlighted why an image was flagged, meaning it can reinforce your clinical judgment.

AI can’t replace the gold standard

A recent Q&A from The American Journal of Managed Care reminds us that early detection still depends on consistent screenings. No matter how advanced AI gets, nothing replaces getting patients in the exam room for routine eye exams.

Time for a grain of salt: AI is full steam ahead, but there are constant reminders that we’re not quite there yet. A systematic review highlighted in News-Medical back in October revealed that only 5% of healthcare evaluations for large language models (LLMs) incorporate real patient data. This gap is a major red flag for concerns about the applicability of AI tools in clinical environments. Moreover, the review identifies significant deficiencies in assessing bias and fairness within these models. So, while the new npj Digital Medicine study rightly addresses equity and bias, let’s be clear: There’s still much need for more comprehensive evaluation methods and training models.

Final thoughts

As you’re well aware, AI is evolving fast. Stay informed. Ask the right questions! If AI tools are to be considered for your clinic, dig into their validation studies. Are they tested on populations similar to your patients? Are they FDA-approved?

The goal is for you to be able to catch glaucoma earlier and reduce disparities, and ultimately preserve more vision. As we and others have said many times, AI ought to be viewed as a powerful assistant, not a substitute for clinical expertise. We’re getting closer.

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]]> March 14 – 15 | Virtual CE: All in on Dry Eye Disease Management [FREE] https://optometry.industry411.com/march-14-15-virtual-ce-all-in-on-dry-eye-disease-management-free/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=march-14-15-virtual-ce-all-in-on-dry-eye-disease-management-free Tue, 28 Jan 2025 17:32:35 +0000 https://optometry.industry411.com/?p=1554 Navigate the changing landscape of dry eye protocols and up your expertise on the latest treatments to manage your most challenging cases and expand your dry eye practice. Register now and earn up to 7 hours of free virtual CE. Dates: March 14 – 15, 2025 Time: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST Hear from […]

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]]> Navigate the changing landscape of dry eye protocols and up your expertise on the latest treatments to manage your most challenging cases and expand your dry eye practice. Register now and earn up to 7 hours of free virtual CE.

Dates: March 14 – 15, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST

Hear from top optometrists and ophthalmologists on next gen treatments for DED and take deep dives into complex case studies. Sign up today to save your virtual seat for:

  • Future Frontiers: Next Generation Treatments and Innovations in DED
  • Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Demodex but Were Afraid to Ask
  • Ocular Rheumatology: An Anterior Segment Perspective
  • Intersection of Dry Eye and Beauty: Design, Build, and Brand a Profitable Dry Eye Spa

Get your roadmap to managing dry eye in 2025 and implement emerging technologies and new therapies with confidence.

See speakers and more details at the registration link below.

Register here.

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]]> MAR 9 | Revolutionizing nAMD and DME Management: Collaborative Strategies in the Age of Durable Treatments https://optometry.industry411.com/mar-9-revolutionizing-namd-and-dme-management-collaborative-strategies-in-the-age-of-durable-treatments/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mar-9-revolutionizing-namd-and-dme-management-collaborative-strategies-in-the-age-of-durable-treatments Tue, 28 Jan 2025 13:51:39 +0000 https://optometry.industry411.com/?p=1706 In this program, a panel of expert faculty will discuss best practices in identifying nAMD and DME (with the audience participating in diagnosing cases); optimizing treat-and-extend strategies with newer anti-VEGF agents; and providing collaborative care from optometrists and retina specialists for these patients. Date: Sunday, March 9, 2025 Time: 12:30 – 1:30 PT Location: Virtual […]

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]]> In this program, a panel of expert faculty will discuss best practices in identifying nAMD and DME (with the audience participating in diagnosing cases); optimizing treat-and-extend strategies with newer anti-VEGF agents; and providing collaborative care from optometrists and retina specialists for these patients.

Date: Sunday, March 9, 2025
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 PT
Location: Virtual and in person (Los Angeles, CA)

Learning objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

  • Integrate effective diagnostic tools and imaging techniques in the assessment of patients with nAMD
  • Integrate effective diagnostic tools and imaging techniques in the assessment of patients with DME
  • Apply evidence-based guidance for treat-and-extend protocols for the management of nAMD
  • Apply evidence-based guidance for treat-and-extend protocols for the management of DME
  • Formulate an effective multidisciplinary patient management strategy to enhance communication and collaboration between optometrists and retina specialists

Register here.

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]]> MAR 4 | Virtual CE: The Most Commonly Prescribed Classes of Medications and Their Ocular Side Effects: Beyond Steroids, Topiramate and Hydroxychloroquine https://optometry.industry411.com/mar-4-virtual-ce-the-most-commonly-prescribed-classes-of-medications-and-their-ocular-side-effects-beyond-steroids-topiramate-and-hydroxychloroquine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mar-4-virtual-ce-the-most-commonly-prescribed-classes-of-medications-and-their-ocular-side-effects-beyond-steroids-topiramate-and-hydroxychloroquine Mon, 27 Jan 2025 19:50:33 +0000 https://optometry.industry411.com/?p=1714 Currently, 55% of Americans are taking prescription medications, including the patients optometrists see every day. The majority of these medications have some ocular side effects that can impact your patients. This course, hosted by Optometric Education Consultants, will review the ocular side effects of the most commonly prescribed drug classes, discuss how to address these […]

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]]> Currently, 55% of Americans are taking prescription medications, including the patients optometrists see every day. The majority of these medications have some ocular side effects that can impact your patients.

This course, hosted by Optometric Education Consultants, will review the ocular side effects of the most commonly prescribed drug classes, discuss how to address these side effects and how to properly code for such encounters.

Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Price: $50 for CE credit/$10 for no credit

Register here.

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]]> Light Therapy in Focus: Advancing Treatment Options for ODs https://optometry.industry411.com/the-growing-role-of-light-therapy-in-modern-optometry/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-growing-role-of-light-therapy-in-modern-optometry Mon, 27 Jan 2025 14:46:05 +0000 https://optometry.industry411.com/?p=1533 Phototherapy, also known as syntonics, has been used by optometrists since the 1920s to treat chronic headaches, stress, trauma, and concussions. It has also been used as primary or supportive treatment for certain visual dysfunctions — strabismus, amblyopia, focusing and convergence problems. In recent years, however, new forms of light therapy have picked up steam […]

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]]> Phototherapy, also known as syntonics, has been used by optometrists since the 1920s to treat chronic headaches, stress, trauma, and concussions. It has also been used as primary or supportive treatment for certain visual dysfunctions — strabismus, amblyopia, focusing and convergence problems.

In recent years, however, new forms of light therapy have picked up steam as promising tools to treat a variety of ocular conditions.

Speaking to these developments, Roya Attar, OD, MBA, DHA told Optometry Times, “The biggest thing I’m excited about [in 2025 and beyond] is light therapy for all kinds of conditions. We started out [using it] for dry eye disease. Now it’s being approved for macular degeneration and advanced forms of it. I am so excited about that, because that’s something that we can own. We can own that space, and I can take care of those patients instead of having to speak to them [before] they have to go to a retinal specialist, wait a long time in that clinic … And we already have that established relationship.”

As we move into 2025, taking time to understand the current applications and future potential of light therapy will help you make decisions about potentially expanding your practice offerings.

Current applications of light therapy in optometry

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) and intense pulsed light (IPL) have become staples in treating conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye disease. For many practices, LLLT is a go-to for reducing inflammation and promoting glandular health, particularly for patients with moderate to severe symptoms. The ability to treat chalazia non-invasively has made LLLT an invaluable addition to the toolbox, reducing the need for surgical interventions and improving patient satisfaction across the board.

IPL, on the other hand, has carved out its niche by targeting telangiectasia and reducing ocular surface inflammation. It’s dual impact — enhancing meibomian gland function while improving tear film stability — has earned it widespread adoption among practices managing persistent MGD cases (and dry eye more broadly). We’ve heard reports of increased patient satisfaction due to IPL’s visible cosmetic benefits in addition to symptom relief.

Recommended read: Evolving eye care with light therapy – Part 1: Low-level light therapy, the skin, and ocular surface care

Emerging trends and future directions

As you may have surmised, the scope of light therapy in optometry is poised to expand. One of the most exciting new developments is low-level red light (LLRL) therapy for myopia control. It leverages red light wavelengths to increase choroidal thickness, which early studies suggest could mitigate myopia progression in pediatric patients. For optometrists specializing in pediatric care, this represents a promising adjunct to current myopia management strategies like orthokeratology and atropine drops.

Another frontier lies in photobiomodulation (PBM) for retinal diseases. As Dr. Attar made reference to, devices like the Valeda Light Delivery System are already FDA-authorized for managing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). By stimulating mitochondrial activity and reducing oxidative stress, photobiomodulation holds the potential to slow the progression of retinal damage in AMD and potentially other retinal conditions. As it evolves, it may provide a less invasive alternative to current treatments like intravitreal injections.

Recommended video: LLLT and AMD: Your Questions Answered

Integrating light therapy into your practice

For practices already offering light therapy, now is a good time to explore its broader applications. Consider adding LLRL for myopia control to your pediatric treatment offerings or implementing PBM for early AMD patients. Collaborate with colleagues; look for light therapy vendors, panels, and workshops at conferences; seek out CE; and stay abreast of peer-reviewed studies to help guide your investment decisions.

(Note: That’s a lot to keep up with, but our Optometry 411 newsletter will continue to share information on all of the above. Stay connected!).

As reimbursement structures evolve, particularly for new applications like LLRL, be mindful of coding updates and insurance policies.

And finally, we love to talk about patient education: Educating patients about your innovative, non-invasive treatment options can position your practice as a leader in advanced optometric care and make you stand out, especially in more saturated markets where it’s necessary to distinguish yourself.

The post Light Therapy in Focus: Advancing Treatment Options for ODs appeared first on Optometry 411.

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