Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is typically asymptomatic in its early stages. Therefore, best practice guidelines recommend people with diabetes have annual eye exams to screen for DR, nonproliferative DR, and diabetic macular edema to allow for early detection and timely treatment.

This virtual symposia hosted by Dr. Dilsher Dhoot is designed to foster collaboration in provider networks and encourage discussions on the latest trial data and clinical experience related to the importance of imaging and how early treatment can preserve vision in patients with diabetes. Other topics of discussion will include how practices have adapted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; the benefits of telemedicine; longer-duration therapies that require fewer visits to the clinic; and ways to improve communication with interdisciplinary care providers.

This certified CE educational activity is designed for optometrists involved in the management of patients with diabetic eye diseases.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Discuss the benefits of telemedicine for continued screening of diabetic patients for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) in order to provide timely treatment.
• Execute appropriate referrals of patients with DR and DME by working with your network to understand the need for timely referrals to a retina specialist based on the latest clinical data.
• Interpret clinical data supporting the treatment of patients with moderate NPDR without macular edema with anti-VEGF therapy.
• Discuss longer duration therapies for DME and NPDR that are currently under investigation.