Transforming retinal disease management through diabetes care

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Health Policy
• Pharmacoeconomics

Background:

• Diabetic retinopathy and macular edema are leading causes of blindness.
• Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies are effective but pose adherence challenges due to frequent injections.
• Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly impact patient access to care and treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss management strategies for retinal diseases in patients with diabetes.
• To explore the impact of current policies on treatment access and costs.
• To identify best practices for anti-VEGF coverage and address SDOH barriers.

Main Methods:

• A virtual Market Insights summit was convened in September 2024.
• Participants included chief medical officers, pharmacy officers, and senior healthcare executives.
• Discussions focused on policy impact, treatment access, SDOH, and best practices for anti-VEGF coverage.

Main Results:

• Agreement on the crucial role of ophthalmologists in preventing blindness in diabetic patients.
• Emphasis on the importance of timely access to appropriate anti-VEGF treatments.
• Exploration of strategies like gold carding and extended dosing to improve adherence and access.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing anti-VEGF coverage policies is essential for managing retinal diseases in diabetic patients.
• Addressing SDOH is critical to overcoming access barriers and improving patient outcomes.
• Standardized definitions of good care and practical dosing strategies can enhance treatment adherence and access.