Catch up with what Optometry Times shared this week:

FDA grants Priority Review to novel treatment for macular telangiectasia type 2

By Emily Kaiser Maharjan, Assistant Managing Editor

Neurotech announced that the investigative implant revakinagene taroretcel (NT-501) has been approved for Priority Review of Biologics License Application (BLA) by the FDA and has been granted a prescription drug user fee act (PDUFA) goal date of December 17, 2024. The investigational implant leverages encapsulated cell therapy (ECT) to slow the progression of macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel), which is a neurogenerative retinal disease that causes central vision deterioration.

Read here...

AOA 2024: How to support patients who are receiving intravitreal injections

By Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, FAAO, FORS, Dipl ABO, ABCMO; Emily Kaiser Maharjan, Assistant Managing Editor; and Jordana Joy, Associate Editor

In this interview, Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, FAAO, discusses his American Optometric Association (AOA) lecture titled, "Through the eye of the needle," which focuses on the experiences of patients receiving eye injections for retinal diseases. The lecture is interactive, featuring a panel including Jessica Haynes, OD, FAAO, FORS, and Roya Attar, OD, MBA, FAAO. They aim to provide insights into the challenges faced by patients, including transportation, insurance, and emotional stress, and offer advice to referring optometrists on supporting these patients. The lecture seeks to address "injection fatigue" and other logistical issues to ensure patients continue their necessary treatments.

Watch here...

AOA 2024: Exploring options in premium IOLs and refractive surgery

By Nick Bruns, OD, FAAO, and Emily Kaiser Maharjan, Assistant Managing Editor

At AOA 2024, Nick Bruns, OD, FAAO, discusses the evolving landscape of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) and refractive surgery in his upcoming talk. He emphasizes the importance of listening to patients to understand their visual needs and lifestyle, ensuring the best lens match and managing expectations. Bruns highlights the success of EVO ICL, a game-changing option with minimal complications and excellent visual outcomes, particularly for patients not suited for LASIK or other procedures. He advocates for considering a range of refractive surgery options beyond LASIK to provide optimal patient care.

Watch here...

AOA 2024: Catching toxicity in the retina before it is too late

By Jordana Joy, Associate Editor, and Raman Bhakhri, OD, FAAO

In a collaborative effort with other medical professionals, optometrists can aid in catching toxicities in the retina stemming from medication side effects before they do major damage to the eye. Raman Bhakhri, OD, FAAO, touched on those medications and utilizing technology to help spot those toxicities in his presentation at this year's AOA and AOSA Optometry's Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee.

Watch here...

Utilizing the immune system to combat dry eye disease

By Walter O. Whitley OD, MBA, FAAO

Dry eye disease (DED) is a chronic and often progressive condition that can be a source of frustration for patients and clinicians. Finding the right combination of treatments that effectively alleviate symptoms can be demanding, and the chronic nature of the condition typically requires ongoing management to maintain ocular health and comfort.

Read here...