It has long been established that retinal diseases significantly contribute to global blindness and vision loss and pose a substantial global burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems.1 However, in 2025, while targeted innovations are starting to bend the curve on vision loss, prevalence is still climbing.2,3
With these data in mind, we set out to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing optometrists diagnosing and managing retinal disease in 2025. We wanted to learn how optometrists are administering retinal disease care and how they perceive the state of the retina space.
To see the results of this survey, download the report—or keep reading for a preview of our findings!
Behind the 2025 Retina Report
As aging populations swell, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a major threat, with a projected ~288 million people worldwide to be diagnosed with AMD by 2040 and 20 million already affected in the US. Once AMD progresses to geographic atrophy (GA), it accounts for approximately 20% of legal blindness in the US.1,4
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are being recognized more often as diagnostics and trials accelerate. A study that utilized a US-based electronic health record (EHR) network found that the overall prevalence of IRDs reached 106 per 100,000 in 2023, with the incidence increasing from 12.5 to 15.5 per 100,000 over the same period. Fortunately, next-generation sequencing has transformed diagnosis, improved counseling, and expanded trial eligibility.5
Diabetic retinal disease (DRD) underscores the public health scale of retinal morbidity. Among patients with diabetes, DRD prevalence fell from 13.6% in 2001 to 10.9% in 2007, but then rose yearly to 20.8% by 2021.6
Download the 2025 Retina Report here!
2025 Retina Report
Read the 2025 Retina Report to discover how fellow optometrists are diagnosing, treating, and managing retinal disease.
The 2025 Retina Report includes:
- The role of cost and insurance coverage in clinical decision-making
- Key ways ODs are staying up-to-date on retinal disease and its treatment
- Familiarity with new and upcoming retinal disease treatments
- Overall confidence in managing—and co-managing—retinal disease
- Favored brands of imaging and diagnostic equipment
- Most desired innovations in retinal care
- And more!
Elevating education on retinal disease
With the ever-growing understanding of the nuances of retinal disease and rapid advancement in diagnostic and treatment options, optometrists are using several means to keep up with these developments to provide the best patient care.
The top three educational resources—listed in order of popularity—were webinars and online tutorials; in-person conferences and live workshops; and clinical trial updates.
An impressive 50.62% of those polled attend workshops, conferences, or additional training specifically for retinal disease management up to four times a year. However, our respondents said that the most desired form of continuing education (CE) would be online webinars, followed closely by in-person lectures.
Confidence in retinal care is on the rise
It seems this ongoing education on retinal disease and treatment is yielding positive results, as confidence rose across the board among our respondents. ODs rated their average assuredness in managing diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vascular occlusion at 3.79 (on a 1 to 5 scale where 1 was "not at all confident" and 5 was "extremely confident"), and wet AMD at 3.48.
The most significant increase was in confidence to effectively manage geographic atrophy, with the average rising from 2.9 in 2024 to 3.54 in 2025, signifying a jump of 22.1%. Confidence in co-managing geographic atrophy with an ophthalmologist also went up.
ODs are incorporating innovations
Alongside the FDA approval of the first IRD gene therapy and the rapid growth of clinical trials, genetic screening is gradually becoming a more common step in guiding patients toward current and future therapeutic options.
For optometrists, offering and encouraging genetic testing not only informs clinical decision-making but also empowers patients and families to participate in registries, access counseling, and explore emerging treatments.
Still, most optometrists are not yet utilizing genetic testing to screen for retinal diseases, with ~20% offering this in their practice. Respondents listed barriers to implementing genetic testing as a screening tool, including out-of-pocket patient costs as well as a lack of knowledge and insurance coverage.
Focus on the future
Despite the many advancements in the realm of retinal disease, there is still a constant flow of emerging research and evolutions in treatment options. In regard to the areas in which our respondents would most like to see innovations, the majority agreed that they are eager for more treatment options and medications.
In closing
According to Elizabeth A. Steele, OD, FAAO, “As advances in retinal imaging and management strategies continue to evolve rapidly, this report provides valuable
insight into where ODs are focusing their efforts in managing the most commonly encountered retinal conditions.”
