News from Orlando: AAO 2025 highlights research across all areas of eyecare

Ophthalmologists from across the United States and around the globe gathered in Orlando, Florida over the October 17 through 20, 2025 to discuss advances in all areas of eye care. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) hosted their annual scientific meeting and shared several notable press releases regarding trending stories and research.

Substantial gift expands EyeCare America program

A gift of $1.5 million by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation (KTEF) is set to expand the EyeCare America program. This gift could see the largest growth in the program’s 40 year history, by “transforming it from a seniors-only program to one that serves people aged 18 and older,”¹ according to the news release issued by the AAO.

In addition to expanding the program to new age-brackets, the gift will also help to fund the the growth and expansion of a pilot program in which the organization partnered with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) to meets the needs of underserved communities.¹ These 2 areas of expansion will help to meet the gaps in eye care across the United States.¹

IRIS registry data used to study cataract surgery effect on AMD

Using the patient data in the IRIS registry, researchers were able to do a 7-years retrospective reviews of patients with AMD who also had cataract surgery. They used this data to determine the rate of conversion to neovascular AMD. According to the AAO, researchers were faced with an initial finding that upon further analysis did not was conflicted. In the press release, the AAO notes, “These contradictory findings reflect the variants in the study design and also the inherent difficulty of studying AMD, a disease with complex origins and numerous variables that can influence its progression.”²

This led researchers to determine that providers should handle the overlap of these conditions on a case-by-case basis until further research can shed a more conclusive light on the impact of cataract surgery on AMD.²

Ophthalmology Times continues live coverage of AAO 2025

Along with the latest news from the Academy, Ophthalmology Times is attending the meeting in Orlando to bring ophthalmologists key data directly from the presenters.

• Esther Lee Kim, MD, from Orange County Retina in California, discussed the continued study of pegcetacoplan in clinical trials. Kim reviewed key points from the GALE extension study, which provides critical data on tissue preservation and visual function in patients with geographic atrophy.
• John P. Berdahl, MD, discusses advanced lens options for patients with pseudoexfoliation, highlighting considerations for successful longterm outcomes.

References:

1. EyeCare America Expands Access to Sight-Saving Eye Care to People Age 18 and Older. American Academy of Ophthalmology. News release. October 18, 2025. Accessed October 18, 2025. https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/eyecare-america-expands-access-to-sight-saving-eye
2. Does Cataract Surgery Worsen Macular Degeneration?. American Academy of Ophthalmology. News release. October 18, 2025. Accessed October 18, 2025. https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/eyecare-america-expands-access-to-sight-saving-eye