EyeCon 2024: Peter McDonnell, MD, and Laura Periman, MD, on the importance of integrating new knowledge into practice

Peter J. McDonnell, MD, chief medical editor of Ophthalmology Times and co-director of EyeCon 2024, and Laura M. Periman, MD, founder of the Periman Eye Institute in Seattle, discuss recent innovations in ophthalmology, emphasizing ocular surface disease (OSD) and the growing complexity of care. Their conversation highlights advancements in ocular surface treatments, intraocular lenses, and management strategies for conditions like thyroid eye disease and geographic atrophy.

Periman shares insights into her specialty focus on OSD. She describes the evolution of her practice model and stresses the importance of time, patient-centered care, and technological integration in managing chronic eye conditions. This approach aims to address the gap in standard practice, where complex conditions often receive inadequate attention.

The conversation underscores the need for cross-specialty communication and continuous education. Ophthalmologists, regardless of their subspecialty, can benefit from a comprehensive understanding of OSD, as common surgeries like cataract and refractive procedures can exacerbate these conditions if not properly managed. Retina specialists are also urged to consider OSD management to enhance overall patient care.

The presenters highlight EyeCon’s role as a platform that bridges knowledge gaps across ophthalmology subspecialties. With the rising prevalence of myopia, age-related macular degeneration, and increasing patient demand, new care models and approaches are essential. McDonnell and Periman encourage attendees to integrate learnings into their practice, enhancing patient outcomes through shared expertise and a multidisciplinary approach to eye care.