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Steven D. Ness, MD, discusses his research on vitamin D's role in reducing complications after retinal surgery at ASRS 2025.

Q&A: The potential impact of vitamin D on retinal surgery

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ASRS 2025: 24-Month results of the phase 2 SKYLINE trial

Professor of ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine
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ASRS 2025: Post-op day 0 vs day 1 exams

He is editor of The Neuro-Connection. He is professor of ophthalmology, neurology, and neurosurgery, The H. Stanley Thompson Neuro-ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City.

At ASRS 2025, Andrew G Lee, MD, gave key insight into the world of a neuro-ophthalmologist and why and when a retina specialist should consult a neuro-ophthalmologist

ASRS 2025: Neuro-ophthalmology: What every retina doctor needs to know

Ophthalmology Times connects eye care professionals with surgery, imaging, gene therapy, & diagnostic advances to enhance clinical and patient care.

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The EnVision Summit, co-founded by Bonnie An Henderson, MD, is a unique family-friendly, multispecialty CME ophthalmology conference, along with a newly introduced optometry track. Henderson sits down with 

' Sheryl Stevenson, group editorial director - eye care, to talk about the 2025 conference that will take place February 14 to 17 at the Caribe Hilton San Juan, in Puerto Rico.

Henderson describes the meeting as “a place where not only are physicians and optometrists learning, but their families are part of the experience too,” emphasizing the opportunity for personal and professional growth in a supportive, community-oriented environment.

The 2025 agenda will include symposia, surgical videos, panel discussions, and leadership seminars that highlight rapid advancements across ophthalmology specialties, including cataract, refractive, retina, glaucoma, pediatrics, and oculoplastics. “It’s incredible how quickly things change in ophthalmology—if you miss a year or two, you’ll be amazed by the innovations that have emerged,” Henderson shared. Updates on new intraocular lenses, surgical tools, and diagnostic techniques will showcase the field’s forward momentum. Additionally, a leadership seminar led by Malvina Eydelman, MD, Director of the Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT, and Dental Devices at FDA, Silver Spring, Maryland, will feature discussions on career pathways and diversity, empowering attendees with insights from industry leaders.

The optometry track, introduced last year, continues to expand, emphasizing collaboration between ophthalmologists and optometrists in critical areas like preoperative and postoperative care, medications, and diagnostic tools. As Henderson explained, “It's important for both fields to come together and discuss how we can work together to improve patient care.” This cross-disciplinary dialogue reflects the summit's dedication to advancing care through shared expertise.

The youth program offers age-appropriate activities that allow children to engage in fun learning while also witnessing their parents' professional contributions. "It’s amazing to watch these kids grow up at EnVision Summit and form lasting friendships,” said Henderson. The trainee program, which offers free registration for residents, fellows, and medical students, has also seen growth. Henderson highlighted the program’s value, noting that it “gives young professionals the chance to network with leaders in the field and gain invaluable mentorship.”



To learn more about or to register for EnVision Summit 2025,

EnVision Summit

The EnVision Summit, co-founded by Bonnie An Henderson, MD, is a unique family-oriented, multispecialty ophthalmology CME conference, along with a newly introduced optometry track. Henderson sits down with Ophthalmology Times to talk about the 2025 conference that will take place February 14 to 17 at the Caribe Hilton San Juan, in Puerto Rico.

Connect, learn, and innovate in a family-friendly atmosphere:  What to expect at EnVision Summit 2025

In this third of an exclusive three-part 

 EyePod podcast series on innovation, we continue our discussion with Jibran Sharieff, MD (PGY-2), and Brandon Kingrey, MD (PGY-3), who are residents at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI)/University of Oklahoma Department of Ophthalmology in Oklahoma City. They recently won second place at the Eyecelerator competition held before this fall’s American Academy of Ophthalmology conference in Chicago, receiving a $15,000 prize—the first such prize awarded to residents—for their development of a smartphone device designed to take fundus images.

The innovators behind a new smartphone device for capturing fundus images are focused on expanding its functionality and accessibility. Currently designed for undilated pupils, they aim to broaden the field of view and make the device compatible with various smartphones, including Samsung models. Plans include partnering with established manufacturers for FDA approval and exploring AI integration for enhanced analysis capabilities. They envision the device being used not only by ophthalmologists but also by ER doctors, primary care physicians, and neurologists, making optic nerve examination more accessible. Clinical trials with the Dean McGee Eye Institute are under way to validate its use. 

For fellow residents and young ophthalmologists, the innovators advise finding small, impactful problems to solve and embracing iterative, hands-on experimentation. They stress the importance of simple, practical solutions in innovation, balancing clinical responsibilities with project work by choosing tasks that feel enjoyable rather than burdensome.

SAP Partner

In this final episode, DMEI’s residents share their future plans for expanding the device capabilities and offer practical advice to other up-and-coming creators in eye care technology.

Innovation Series: Expanding access to eye care, advice for aspiring innovators from DMEI ophthalmology residents (part 3)

In this second of an exclusive three-part 

EyePod podcast series on innovation, we continue our discussion with Jibran Sharieff, MD (PGY-2), and Brandon Kingrey, MD (PGY-3), who are residents at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI)/University of Oklahoma Department of Ophthalmology in Oklahoma City. They recently won second place at the Eyecelerator competition held prior to this month's American Academy of Ophthalmology conference in Chicago, receiving a $15,000 prize—the first such prize awarded to residents—for their development of a smartphone device designed to take fundus images. 

This innovative tool aims to advance ophthalmic imaging accessibility. The device in development leverages the built-in hardware of iPhones to capture fundus images without requiring batteries or expensive optics, making it highly affordable and portable. Designed for ease of use, it surpasses traditional fundus cameras and direct ophthalmoscopes in terms of cost-effectiveness and accessibility, enabling broader use among healthcare providers. The residents highlight its potential impact on medical education by simplifying fundus photography for medical students and its utility in low-resource settings or rural healthcare. 

Jibran Sharieff, MD, and Brandon Kingrey, MD, discuss their innovative smartphone-based device for affordable retinal imaging, highlighting its potential to enhance eye care accessibility and education in low-resource settings.

Innovation Series: How DMEI residents are shaping the future with smartphone imaging for retinal care (part 2)

In this first of an exclusive three-part 

EyePod podcast series on innovation, we meet Jibran Sharieff, MD (PGY-2), and Brandon Kingrey, MD (PGY-3), who are residents at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI)/University of Oklahoma Department of Ophthalmology in Oklahoma City. They recently won second place at the Eyecelerator competition held prior to this month’s American Academy of Ophthalmology conference in Chicago, receiving a $15,000 prize—the first such prize awarded to residents—for their development of a smartphone device designed to take fundus images. This innovative tool aims to advance ophthalmic imaging accessibility. 

Join us as Sharieff and Kingrey share insights into their project and their journey as young innovators in eye care.

These residents won second place at the Eyecelerator competition held prior to this month’s American Academy of Ophthalmology conference in Chicago, receiving a $15,000 prize—the first such prize awarded to residents—for their development of a smartphone device designed to take fundus images.

Innovation Series: DMEI residents Jibran Sharieff, MD, and Brandon Kingrey, MD, share their journey to innovation (part 1)

In this PER On Air Ophthalmology Times podcast, an expert panel discusses the latest advances in X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and how to optimize diagnosis as well as developments in gene therapy. 

Latest advances in X-linked retinitis pigmentosa: Optimizing diagnosis and developments in gene therapy

The role of calendars may be growing more important when managing patients with nAMD and DME. How many weeks can patients go between injections with newer anti-VEGF agents versus older options? How short of an injection interval can patients tolerate before it becomes too much of a burden?

In this podcast, Murtaza Adam, MD; Laxmi Devisetty, MD, Hong-Uyen Hua, MD; and Sherrol Reynolds, OD; share insights into determining appropriate treatment regimens with these therapies and supporting patient adherence.

Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology

Chief, Advanced Ophthalmic Care and Specialty Testing

The role of calendars may be growing more important when managing patients with nAMD and DME. How many weeks can patients go between injections with newer anti-VEGF agents versus older options? How short of an injection interval can patients tolerate before it becomes too much of a burden?

In this podcast, Murtaza Adam, MD; Laxmi Devisetty, MD, Hong-Uyen Hua, MD; and Sherrol Reynolds, OD; share insights into determining appropriate treatment regimens with these therapies and supporting patient adherence.


Assessing the Evidence for Extending Treatment Intervals in nAMD & DME Management: Expert Insights into Innovative Approaches

 EyePod podcasts focusing on innovation in ophthalmology. Throughout this series, we'll be hearing insights from various stakeholders including those in clinical practice, academia, and industry. The overarching message in this podcast is intended to be informational and not promotional. Today, our host Ehsan Sadri, MD, engages in a conversation with Jeffry Weinhuff, who is managing partner of Visionary Ventures. And just a quick note: the thoughts and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of this publication.

 in Newport Beach, California, and is board-certified, fellowship-trained in treating LASIK, cataract, and glaucoma surgeries. He is a co-founder of Visionary Ventures Fund and a consultant to Tarsus.

, a series of venture capital funds which is a leading investor in drugs and devices for the eye. Visionary has current financial interests and serves on board of directors of the following companies: Aurion Biotech; Centricity Vision; CorneaGen; IanTrek; ONL Therapeutics; Orasis Pharmaceuticals; Pelage Pharmaceuticals; Re-Vana Therapeutics; Surface Ophthalmics; Sydnexis; Surface Ophthalmics; TearClear.

Explore cutting-edge ophthalmology innovations in this new series on the Ophthalmology Times EyePod podcast. Throughout this series, we'll hear insights from various stakeholders in clinical practice, academia, and industry. In this episode, host Ehsan Sadri, MD, engages in a conversation with Jeffry Weinhuff, managing partner at Visionary Ventures, exploring trends and offering advice for individuals driven by an entrepreneurial mindset.

(EyePod) From idea to impact: Navigating ophthalmic innovation

In this EyePod® episode, David Hutton sits down with Shankar Musunuri, CEO of Ocugen to discuss updated data for OCU400. 

This transcript has been edited for clarity.

Welcome to EyePod, a podcast series from Ophthalmology Times in which we engage with key opinion leaders in interviews about the latest innovations in the areas of surgery, clinical diagnosis, therapeutics, imaging, device technology, gene and cell therapy, practice management, and other cutting-edge topics. I'm your host, David Hutton. Welcome to another edition of the EyePod Podcast. I'm joined today by Dr. Shankar Musunuri, CEO of Ocugen, to discuss updated data for OCU400. Currently in phase 1/2 clinical trial for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa. Can you tell us about the latest data for OCU400?

Yes, David, thank you for having me today. And I'd like to summarize the latest data we released recently. OCU400 continues to demonstrate a favorable safety and tolerability profile as an investigational drug product. I think it looks promising. It also continues to show clinically positive trends from multiple endpoints [inaudible]. Remember, retinitis pigmentosa is a very complex disease. And currently, we are looking at multiple mutations because we have a gene agnostic approach. So I will highlight the data – 83% of subjects demonstrated preservation or improvement in the treated eye, either with BCVA, or LLVA. BCVA refers to Best Corrected Visual Acuity, and LLVA stands for Low Light Visual Acuity. 

Also, MLMT, which is a mobility course. So that's promising. I think it's important for people to understand that stabilization of a signal in this population is really good. Because typically, when you get any drug approved, you're reducing degeneration compared to the control group. That's how you get the drug approved. So if you're really stabilizing the signal, stopping the progression, that itself is a good sign. And if you're improving, that's even better, right? So from where you are, in that respect, 83% of subjects showed either preservation, meaning stability, or improvement in signals using these multiple endpoints. Seventy-five percent of them have shown improvement or stabilization with the mobility course. The mobility course is used in one of the approved products. 

Only one gene therapy product, Eyespace, got approved about five years ago. Eighty-six percent of rhodopsin patients showed stabilization or improvement using either MLMT course. So that's very important. Why? Because we have a gene agnostic approach. We are testing in patients who don't have an R2E3 gene, which is the gene we're trying to give using the OCU400. They don't have a defective R2E3. This is a rhodopsin mutation. So that's really important. It is demonstrating efficacy, a trend in patients in a gene agnostic approach. That's very important for people to understand.

What do these results mean for the company and its efforts with OCU400?

These results are very encouraging. Number one, we've looked into many patients to date now. And number one, safety is good. So that's number one. Some of the patients have reached almost 12 months point, which is important. The next most important thing is we continue to see positive efficacy trends. As I mentioned, most of these patients, about 100,000 patients in the US, are struggling with retinitis pigmentosa. Many of them, if untreated, by mid-40s, they may become legally blind. It's a really devastating disease. 

And they're really in desperate need. And if you're showing a favorable signal, stabilizing the signal or improving using multiple endpoints, that's very promising. So that will allow us to assemble the data sometime this year. We want to really discuss this information with the FDA. Using this data, we're going to design our phase three clinical trial and go to agencies and discuss with them by the end of the year and see if we can get an agreement to move into Phase Three clinical trial. That's really important, right? Because remember, phase one, two clinical trials, the primary endpoint is efficacy, safety. So if you're seeing an efficacy signal in these patients using multiple endpoints, that's very promising. It is also showing in patients in an agnostic approach and relapsing, other mutations, other R2E3. 

So those are the key points to remember. Typically, in phase one, two trials, you take late-stage patients who have a disease which progressed in a way into a really advanced stage. Sometimes if you talk to the experts, they're surprised. They don't expect much improvement in the patients. But they're seeing good signals in these patients, too. So that's very encouraging to hear from experts. So, in a nutshell, this data is encouraging. We're putting a package together to discuss with agencies to see if we can get an agreement to move into Phase Three.

And ultimately, what could this treatment option mean for ophthalmologists and the patients they treat?

Yeah, this could be very beneficial. Let me talk about retinitis pigmentosa. Under retinitis pigmentosa, there are many retinal diseases. This is an orphan disease with about 100,000 patients in the US. There is another segment called Leber congenital amaurosis. We're recruiting patients up to 90 between the two of them. There are about 125 genes which can get mutated. So if you take a traditional gene therapy approach, you have one product covering the RPE65 gene in the market. That is in less than 1,000 patients in the US. That's one out of 125. So how about the remaining 124 mutations and over 100,000 patients sitting there? How are they going to get the rescue? It's almost impossible for pharmaceutical companies to develop 124 products to treat all those patients.

 So that's where we come in. This is a modifier gene therapy. These are like Master genes in the retina. They have the ability to control the functional networks, from cell development, inflammation, metabolism to survival. They create a homeostasis, the receptor homeostasis at a molecular and cellular level, and restore the function. They also create a healthy environment for cells to survive. That's really important. That's why, because of that, these genes we can target. A gene agnostic approach has the potential to treat all these patients with these 125 mutations. So what it means is for ophthalmologists and patients, this is very significant for them. 

There is hope out there if this treatment works, and they continue to work in phase three in multiple mutations. This has the potential to address this big disease burden. This is a big deal because people are thinking of single mutations in 500 patients, 2,000 patients. Rhodopsin itself has over 10,000 patients. This is not an easy mutation to treat with rhodopsin mutations. That's itself what we're testing right now, and R2E3 mutations. And that itself is big. So there is hope for the patients and physicians. If you continue to progress into phase three, and we potentially get to the other side and get good results. This treatment has the potential to treat all these patients who are desperate and in desperate need for rescue.

And lastly, you pretty much hit upon this. But let's recap. What are the next steps for OCU400?

The next steps are, obviously, we're progressing well in clinic. With the data we have on hand, we're going to discuss with agencies like FDA, and with our Phase Three design. So if they do agree, our goal is to move this to phase three, as we announced late this year and early next year. So that will be a controlled trial, looking into multiple mutations in phase three. What it means is our bigger goal is to get a broad indication for retinitis pigmentosa and LCA, covering all these mutations. Obviously, we do have orphan drug designations covering those broad indications like RP and LCA. So those designs have to align with FDA and ensure they're comfortable with our design. 

If we reach an agreement, we're going to go into phase three. The bottom line is to initiate phase three as soon as possible. Typically, these studies run for a minimum of one year duration, just like the first product which got approved. They did a one-year endpoint. So sometimes they may need a little longer depending on the mutations. All those things will be discussed with FDA. In a nutshell, the next steps are getting in alignment with FDA and potentially initiating the phase three clinical trial at the end of this year or early next year. So that this product will be available in the market if everything goes according to our plan by 2026.

Thanks for listening to this episode of EyePod by Ophthalmology Times. If there are topics you would like to hear about, let us know. You can also stay connected with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram. We'll see you next time.

Eyepod: Ocugen CEO gives update on OCU400

 This podcast was generated from Ophthalmology Times content using an AI platform.

Welcome to another edition of EyePod, the podcast series from Ophthalmology Times that offers the latest cutting edge advancements and trends in ophthalmology. 

Research from Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago ultimately could spare a number of premature infants from undergoing invasive eye exams to detect retinopathy of prematurity, the most common cause of preventable lifelong blindness in children in the United States. 

According to an Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago news release, ROP is caused by an abnormal development of small blood vessels on the retina. A team of researchers led by Dr. Isabelle De Plaen discovered that imaging the capillaries in the nail bed of preemies within the first month of life using a non invasive technique called nail bed capillaroscopy can identify infants at high risk for developing ROP. This screening could eliminate the need to evaluate all premature infants with eye exams about a month later. 

Findings were published in the Journal of Pediatrics, De Plaen, senior author and Neonatologist at Lurie Children's, as well as Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, explained that abnormal systemic vascular development starts much earlier than researchers had initially believed. ROP occurs in about 1 in 500 to 1 in 1000 premature infants. It affects 33% to 60% of babies with very low birth weight, less than 1500 grams, according to the hospitals news release. 

According to the news release in the cohort of 32 Premature neonates they studied the plan and the research team found that nail bed capillary density was higher in babies who later developed ROP. Microvascular density in the first month of life also correlated with the severity of ROP. According to the news release, the research work at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is conducted through Stanley Manne Research Institute Children's Research Institute. 

The Manne Research Institute is focused on improving child health, transforming pediatric medicine and ensuring healthier futures through the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Lurie Children's is a nonprofit organization committed to providing access to exceptional care for every child. It is ranked as one of the nation's top children's hospitals by US News and World Report. Thank you for listening to this edition of EyePod. Visit the Ophthalmology Times website for the latest news in the field of Ophthalmology

A new study found an approach that identifies high-risk patients so all preemies don’t need to undergo an invasive eye exam. 

EyePod: Detecting ROP earlier in a non-invasive way

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) expert C. Armitage Harper, III, MD, of the Austin Retina Associates in Austin, Texas, discusses his focus on treating ROP in infants across the globe, the gross inequity in ROP diagnosis and treatment between western countries and the rest of the world, as well efforts being made — and should be made — to prevent blindness in pre-term babies.

Retinopathy of prematurity expert C. Armitage Harper, III, MD, of the Austin Retina Associates in Austin, Texas, discusses his experience in treating ROP cases across the globe, and his mission to prevent pre-term blindness in infants. 

ROP: Treating and preventing blindness in preterm babies 

Optomed Lumo launches a versatile handheld fundus camera, enhancing retinal imaging accessibility in diverse healthcare settings across the US.

Handheld fundus camera from Optomed USA launched for use in any care setting

EyePoint Pharmaceuticals completes enrollment for the LUCIA trial, advancing DURAVYU's potential as a new treatment for wet AMD.

EyePoint completes enrollment of LUGANO and LUCIA trials

Opus Genetics partners with the Global RDH12 Alliance to advance gene therapy for inherited retinal disease, aiming for FDA application by late 2025.

Opus Genetics partners with Global RDH12 Alliance

Haller expands her leadership role of ophthalmologist-in-chief following the retirement of longtime executive Joseph P. Bilson.

Wills Eye Hospital names Julia A. Haller, MD, as new chief executive officer

24-Month Results of the Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Phase 2 SKYLINE Trial

Robert A. Sisk, MD, FACS, FASRS, from Cincinnati Eye Institute spoke with Opthalmology Times at the 2025 ASRS annual meeting, held in Long Beach California. He discussed the SKYLINE phase 2 trial investigating laruzova, a full-length 

 gene therapy for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. 

The study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent response and potential visual improvements in patients with this genetic condition. The trial focused on males aged 8 to 50 with a pathogenic 

 gene variant. Participant selection criteria included measurable microperimetry sensitivity and an intact foveal ellipsoid band, which indicates the health of photoreceptor cells in the central retina. 

Key findings revealed a significant improvement in microperimetry response in the high-dose group compared to the low-dose group. The research highlighted the importance of the ellipsoid zone in gene therapy, with patients having near-normal retinal anatomy more likely to benefit from the treatment. 

The phase 3 trial (VISTA) is already fully recruited, with two primary endpoints: microperimetry and low luminance visual acuity. Dr. Sisk emphasized the challenges of identifying the optimal treatment window. Patients must have some vision decline (between 20/32 and 20/200) to show potential improvement, but not so much that the ellipsoid band is completely lost. 

Looking forward, Sisk expressed optimism about expanding treatment options. He hopes that if the phase 3 study is approved, patients could be treated at earlier stages of the disease. Moreover, he anticipates a future with diverse therapeutic approaches, including:

Optogenetic gene therapy for late-stage disease

The ultimate goal is to develop comprehensive treatment strategies that can provide more complete outcomes for patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Sisk believes that combining various therapeutic methods will offer the most promising approach to managing this genetic condition.

Andrew G Lee at ASRS 2025 on neuro-ophthalmology

At the 2025 ASRS Annual Meeting, Dr. Andy Lee from the Blanton Eye Institute at Houston Methodist Hospital presented a talk titled 

“What Every Retina Doctor Needs to Know About Neuro-Ophthalmology.”

 The core message of the presentation centered on recognizing when vision loss or other visual symptoms are 

 caused by retinal issues but instead point to neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

Lee emphasized the importance of identifying a relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD)—a key clinical sign indicating optic nerve dysfunction. He referred to this diagnostic tool, assessed by the simple swinging flashlight test, as a “superpower” for retina specialists. The takeaway: if both the patient and physician see nothing unusual in the retina, the issue may be neuro-ophthalmic in origin and warrants further evaluation.

He also discussed the reality that neuro-ophthalmologists (neuro-ops) are scarce and often not available in every city. As a result, they frequently work in a consultative capacity with retina and general ophthalmologists. Lee recommended reaching out to neuro-ops for guidance even if they won’t directly examine the patient—especially since routine appointments may be months away. For urgent cases, he advised that patients be sent directly to the hospital, where neurology teams and imaging resources can expedite diagnosis and treatment.

A frequently asked question Lee receives is: 

 His answer: if there is suspicion of optic neuropathy, cranial neuropathy, or any possibility the issue is intracranial or intraorbital, yes, a scan is necessary. The gold standard imaging protocol he recommends is MRI of the head and orbits with gadolinium and fat suppression.

In terms of diagnostic tools, Lee noted that while the swinging flashlight test remains invaluable, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has revolutionized neuro-ophthalmic diagnosis. By providing high-resolution imaging at the micron level, OCT can distinguish between retinal and optic nerve pathology with unmatched precision—making it an essential tool in differentiating retinal disease from neuropathies.

S. Robert Levine, MD, on the DRD Cure Accelerator: A global moonshot for retinal disease

S. Robert Levine, founder and CEO of the Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative, highlighted the efforts for addressing diabetic retinal disease (DRD) through the DRD Cure Accelerator in a presentation at the Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Innovation (CCOI)-Stanford Summit: Shaping the Future of Ophthalmic Innovation, held July 23, 2025, in Palo Alto, California.

The DRD Cure Accelerator, an extension of the Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative, is what Levine calls “mission-driven science,” with the clear objective to “create a world without vision loss from diabetes.” Despite decades of advocacy and billions raised—much of it through the efforts of his late wife, Mary Tyler Moore—Levine notes, “she suffered deeply from its complications, including vision loss.” He sees this work as fulfilling her unfinished mission.

He clarified that what’s traditionally referred to as diabetic retinopathy is more accurately a disease of the entire retinal neurovascular unit, encompassing not only microvascular damage but also macular edema and neurodegeneration. “That’s why we call it DRD,” he said, noting its rising prevalence, including among young adults—with nearly 50% of youth-onset diabetes patients showing signs of DRD by age 26.

A central challenge, Levine noted, is that current risk stratification and clinical trial endpoints are “outmoded and insensitive.” The DRD Cure Accelerator, aligned with the Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative, aims to modernize this landscape by validating objective surrogate markers and clinical endpoints to support accelerated product development and precision treatment.

He detailed upcoming initiatives, including 2 observational clinical studies in partnership with the DRCR Retina Network focused on functional vision measures like contrast sensitivity and ERG. These will complement work in the 2,500-subject French EVIRED study and a forthcoming patient-reported outcome measure, all contributing to a shared global framework.

“It's not just the science at the bench,” he stated, “it's translation, commercialization, regulatory approval, and adoption.” The DRD Cure Accelerator, in his words, is “an invitation to join us,” aimed at catalyzing international collaboration. “Only together,” Levine concluded, “are we going to solve this problem.”

The DRD Cure Accelerator, highlighted at the CCOI-Stanford Summit, is a global initiative advancing clinical research and collaborations to eliminate vision loss from diabetic retinal disease.


Part 7: Looking back at 50 years of innovation in ophthalmology

Part 7 Looking back at 50 years of innovation in ophthalmology

To mark Ophthalmology Times' 50th anniversary, we invited top experts to reflect on the most significant innovations in ophthalmology over the past five decades.

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