Top takeaways from the 2024 meeting of the American Academy of Optometry

Image credit: AdobeStock/John

Optometrists across the country gathered in Indianapolis, Indiana, November 6-9, 2024, to connect and discuss technique, patient care, new innovations, and clinical pearls. Wide-ranging clinical educational presentations and robust poster sessions are trademarks of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) meetings, but the 2024 gathering had a few themes that should not be ignored. Here are some of the top takeaways from the meeting.

Alcon launches first ever one-week replacement contact lens, PRECISION7

Alcon has announced the launch of PRECISION7, a one-week replacement contact lens, in the US. The lens, which utilizes a 7-day ACTIV-FLO System that provides 16 hours of comfort and clear vision, is the only one-week replacement lens on the market, according to a news release.

“We are making history with the bold innovation of PRECISION7,” said Max Wolf, general manager and head of Vision Care and Contact Lenses at Alcon, in the release. “Now, patients can start and end every week fresh with a first of its kind contact lens featuring ACTIV-FLO technology. This is also the first time we are introducing both sphere and toric lenses to the US market simultaneously, allowing eye care professionals to address the needs of the majority of patients right away.”

According to the release, more than half of new patients are being fit in reusable lenses due to cost consideration, even though almost 9 out of 10 eye care providers believe daily disposable lenses are better overall for their patients. A majority of optometrists also agree that a one-week contact lens replacement schedule may be a more intuitive option for their patients, in contrast to a 2-week replacement schedule.

Early detection and thorough imaging are the key to vision preservation in geographic atrophy

Carolyn Majcher, OD, FAAO, FORS, describes optometrists' crucial role in the early identification and management of geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Recent advancements in treatment, coupled with the importance of timely intervention, make it imperative that we equip ourselves with the necessary knowledge and tools to detect GA in its earliest stages. In a collaborative discussion with Steven Ferrucci, OD, FAAO; Majcher, a professor and director of residency programs at the Oklahoma College of Optometry, highlighted the significance of early detection and referral for patients with GA.

Looking at optometry's evolution and expansion

As the field of optometry continues to evolve, it is crucial for practitioners to stay informed about the latest advancements and innovations. Fortunately, a dynamic presentation at AAOpt provided optometrists with a comprehensive overview of the exciting developments shaping the profession. Titled "Optometry's Evolution and Expansion," this 2-hour rapid-fire lecture featured a collaborative effort from three renowned experts in the field: Justin Schweitzer, OD, FAAO; Selina McGee OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO; and Ian Ben Gaddie, OD, FAAO. Together, they dove into a wide range of topics that are transforming the way optometrists diagnose and manage various eye conditions. "We're going to talk about a ton of different things that are either on the market or coming into the market in a variety of different spaces," explained Schweitzer. "We're talking a lot on dry eye and some of the new innovations in that market, which is just massive and huge and it can help a lot of our patients."

Merton C Flom Leadership Academy luncheon provides insights and takeaways on the program

A group of bright-eyed American Academy Of Optometry Fellows took time to gather for a luncheon at this year’s annual meeting to discuss their recent experiences in the Academy’s Merton C. Flom Leadership Academy. The luncheon provided an opportunity for about 40 fellows to share insights and takeaways they gain from the Flom program. The Flom program was sponsored by CooperVision for 2024.

Flom works by identifying and optimizing personal talents as identified through the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment, while also facilitating discussion and guides participants through individual study to identify and hone in on leadership potential. A cohort of participants are enrolled each year and are expected to complete 8 learning modules, which are led by optometric community leaders. Flom participants also meet via virtual sessions about every 6 weeks throughout the year to allow participants and course faculty to discuss the covered content. Some of the learning module topics include principles of effective leadership, embracing diversity in leadership, effective communication, public speaking, writing skills, and mentorship.

Pabita Dhungel BScOptom, MS, of the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science, who is a member of the most recent Flom cohort, said that the roundtable discussion at the luncheon provided an important opportunity to gain perspective from other members of her cohort. “The conversation reinforced vital leadership principles and fostered a sense of community and mutual support among participants,” she said.

Advancing management of meibomian gland dysfunction

At the meeting, Mila Ioussifova, OD, FAAO, CNS, FOWNS, delivered an insightful presentation on elevating the management of meibomian glaernd dysfunction (MGD). Collaborating with fellow ocular surface specialist Rana Taji, OD, MSc, FAAO; Ioussifova focused on the array of advanced treatments available for dry eye disease—a condition increasingly prevalent in today’s patient population.

During their session, which is entitled "From expressions to probing - Take your MGD management to the next level," Ioussifova and Taji explored various treatment modalities, including thermal therapies, radiofrequency, and light-based treatments such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and low-level light therapy. They emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying pathophysiology of MGD to tailor treatment choices effectively. With numerous options available, it can be daunting for practitioners to determine the best course of action. The presenters aimed to demystify these choices, providing clear guidance on when to employ specific treatments based on individual patient cases.