We have seen plenty of innovation in ophthalmology, with researchers and clinicians making significant strides in how eye conditions are treated and managed. From improving drug delivery methods to harnessing the potential of gene and stem cell therapies, 2024 has been a year of promising progress across multiple areas. As we edge closer to 2025, we are eager to see what advancements will further improve vision and eye care. To envision what lies ahead, we turn to our expert editorial board to share their insights on the developments shaping the future of ophthalmology:

The World Glaucoma Association (WGA) is thrilled to announce the 11th World Glaucoma Congress, scheduled for June 25-28, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. Held biennially, the WGC is the largest international meeting dedicated to glaucoma, providing a platform for young researchers to present their work and gain recognition within the global glaucoma community.

In this interview, Dr SriniVas Sadda, Director of Artificial Intelligence & Imaging Research at the Doheny Eye Institute, and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) Geffen School of Medicine, and President of ARVO (2024-2025), discusses the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities in treating retinal diseases. Despite progress, many conditions, such as inherited retinal disorders, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, still lack effective treatments. Dr Sadda shares the latest advancements in diagnostic tools like imaging, which provide a deeper understanding of these diseases at the cellular level and emphasizes the need to expand access to eye care, particularly as the aging population and conditions like diabetes drive up demand. Dr Sadda also highlights ARVO’s role in uniting researchers, clinicians and engineers worldwide to foster collaboration and accelerate progress in addressing these critical issues in vision health.

In a new study published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, researchers explored the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in oculomics for assessing cardiovascular risk factors through retinal imaging, specifically focusing on predicting HbA1c levels. The study demonstrates how AI could change healthcare, especially for diabetes management, by providing non-invasive methods to estimate this critical biomarker.

The EURETINA 2024 Congress, held in Barcelona from September 19-22, brought together leading experts in ophthalmology to share the latest research and innovative treatments for retinal diseases. Among the highlights were several late-breaking abstracts that showcased promising advances in therapeutics for conditions such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and  age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These studies not only demonstrated the efficacy and safety of novel treatment options but also addressed critical unmet needs in reducing patient burden and improving long-term outcomes.

The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) annual meeting, held this year in San Diego, has once again showcased the latest and most exciting advancements in the field of ophthalmology. Bringing together top experts, researchers and practitioners, this year's meeting was a hub of innovation and knowledge-sharing. Among the many insightful presentations and cutting-edge technologies, a few developments stood out as particularly noteworthy. In this article, we highlight some of the most exciting breakthroughs from ASCRS 2024 that could shape the future of eye care.

In our latest episode, we explore the pioneering work of Guy Kezirian, MD, a world-renowned visionary in ophthalmology and refractive surgery. Through fellow refractive surgeon Dr. Jennifer Loh, we learn how Dr. Kizerian’s mindset and innovations revolutionized the field and how his unique blend of medical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit has led to breakthroughs beyond the operating room.

The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) is gearing up for its 42nd Congress, scheduled to take place from September 6-10, 2024, at the Fira de Barcelona in Spain. This prestigious event promises to be a hub of innovation and knowledge-sharing in ophthalmology.

Findings from a recent cohort study published in JAMA Network Open suggest that paediatric patients with uveitis are at significant risk of cataract development.