Optometrists’ Role in Retinal Care in the Anti-VEGF Era

Referral shouldn't mean goodbye: Roya Attar, OD, MBA, DHA's clinical pearls for comanaging nAMD, DME, RVO, and more with retina specialists.

By: Sarah Fackler, managing editor, Optometric Management and Eyecare Business

Optometric Management October 1, 2026

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Optometrists have transitioned from referral gatekeepers to active partners in the longitudinal care of retinal diseases.
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Approximately 90% of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration maintain vision with anti-VEGF treatment.
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Monitoring tools for optometrists include OCT, best-corrected visual acuity, Amsler grid testing, and contrast sensitivity.
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Persistent intraretinal fluid is critical to monitor as it correlates with photoreceptor damage and poorer visual outcomes.
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Optometrists should maintain communication with retina specialists, providing cumulative patient history and monitoring adherence.

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