Industry experts anticipate significant changes in optometry by 2025, focusing on comprehensive care, innovative treatments, and enhanced public awareness.
Optometrists are looking ahead to significant advancements within their field by the year 2025 and beyond, as discussed in recent insights shared by experts in the industry. The evolving landscape is expected to embrace a medical eye care model that caters to a broader range of patient needs, including those related to sports and recreational activities. Furthermore, professionals are placing emphasis on enhancing public awareness of optometry’s capabilities, while also preparing for the introduction of innovative treatments such as eye drops and oral medications designed to address conditions like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Among the anticipated advancements, artificial intelligence is positioned to play a transformative role, particularly with the development of enhanced retinal screening tools that can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. Speaking to the Optometry Times, optometrists foresee a holistic approach gaining traction—one that includes lifestyle factors such as nutrition and exercise—integrating comprehensive care strategies into patient management routines. Additionally, there is notable momentum behind fostering improved inter-referral processes and co-management between optometrists and ophthalmologists, aiming to streamline the patient care experience.
In a related discussion, a new report from the nonprofit research organisation RAND has recommended that military service members undergo regular comprehensive eye examinations. The report posits that such a policy would enhance military readiness, as opposed to relying solely on basic visual acuity screenings. Despite the added costs associated with comprehensive assessments, the report authors, including Raffaele Vardavas, PhD, and Philip Armour, PhD, assert that the advantages significantly outweigh the financial investments required.
Another key event on the horizon for optometrists is the EnVision Summit 2025. Scheduled for February 14-17, 2025, in Puerto Rico, the conference aims to deliver top-notch education geared toward practitioners of all levels. Attendees can expect not only educational advancement but also a family-friendly youth programme designed to engage children while their parents attend various sessions. Bonnie An Henderson, MD, cofounder and programme director of the summit, highlighted the unique attributes of the youth initiative, alongside a parallel trainee program that offers complimentary registrations to residents, fellows, and students in optometry.
Research initiatives are also receiving attention, as optometrists consider areas of study that could thrive with additional resources. A significant focus appears to be on dry eye and anterior segment diseases, driven by their high prevalence in practice settings. Shane Kannarr, OD, noted the importance of early intervention strategies to mitigate vision loss in patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy, particularly in rural communities.
In the realm of treatment comparisons, a recent study examined two anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs, brolucizumab (Beovu) and aflibercept (Eylea), for their efficacy in treating diabetic macula oedema (DME). The study found that brolucizumab was non-inferior in terms of functional outcomes and superior concerning anatomical parameters compared to aflibercept. This research involved contributions from various prestigious institutions, including the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami.
In summary, optometrists are poised for a transformative era, with advancements in treatment options, innovative utilisation of technology, and collaborative care models shaping the future of eye care. The insights generated from ongoing research and upcoming events suggest a commitment to enhancing patient care and broadening the scope of optometry as a vital health profession.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.altris.ai/article/new-technology-in-optometry-how-will-optometry-practice-look-in-2040/ – This article discusses the future of optometry, including the adoption of a medical eye care model, the use of AI in retinal screening, and the development of innovative treatments like smart contact lenses for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
- https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/what-s-in-store-for-optometrists-in-2025-and-beyond- – This article outlines the anticipated advancements in optometry by 2025, including new treatments like eye drops and oral medications, enhanced retinal screening tools using AI, and a holistic approach to patient care incorporating lifestyle factors.
- https://www.altris.ai/article/new-technology-in-optometry-how-will-optometry-practice-look-in-2040/ – This article highlights the role of AI in improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes, as well as the integration of technology like OCT for better management of eye diseases.
- https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/what-s-in-store-for-optometrists-in-2025-and-beyond- – This article mentions the emphasis on enhancing public awareness of optometry’s capabilities and the importance of inter-referral processes and co-management between optometrists and ophthalmologists.
- https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/what-s-in-store-for-optometrists-in-2025-and-beyond- – This article discusses the EnVision Summit 2025, which aims to provide education and a family-friendly youth program, as well as a trainee program for residents, fellows, and students in optometry.
- https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/what-s-in-store-for-optometrists-in-2025-and-beyond- – This article highlights research initiatives focusing on dry eye and anterior segment diseases, and the importance of early intervention strategies for diabetic retinopathy.
- https://www.altris.ai/article/new-technology-in-optometry-how-will-optometry-practice-look-in-2040/ – This article explains the potential of smart contact lenses in monitoring and treating various eye and systemic diseases, such as diabetes and glaucoma.
- https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/what-s-in-store-for-optometrists-in-2025-and-beyond- – This article mentions the study comparing the efficacy of brolucizumab (Beovu) and aflibercept (Eylea) in treating diabetic macula oedema (DME), involving contributions from prestigious institutions.
- https://www.altris.ai/article/new-technology-in-optometry-how-will-optometry-practice-look-in-2040/ – This article discusses the increased demand for medical ophthalmic services and the need for optometrists to manage this demand, particularly with the aging population and the rise in cataract surgical procedures.
- https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/what-s-in-store-for-optometrists-in-2025-and-beyond- – This article emphasizes the holistic approach to patient care, including lifestyle factors such as nutrition and exercise, and integrating comprehensive care strategies into patient management routines.
