Sixth Annual Glaucoma Patient Summit “Truly Amazing”

Attendees came to the Loews Philadelphia Hotel from all over the country as well as Canada, Switzerland, and Jamaica. Most were glaucoma patients. Some were newly diagnosed, and others had been living with glaucoma for many years. Several were accompanied by siblings, other family members, or care partners.

More than 180 attendees, 21 exhibitors, and 21 speakers, presenters, and panelists participated in the 2-day event. Quite a few had attended previous GRF patient summits in Chicago, Long Beach, or San Francisco. But many were attending for the first time.

In the post-event survey, over 95% of attendees said the Patient Summit was informative and helpful. Some comments from those who attended: “It was one of the best conferences I have attended; there was so much great information, and I met so many wonderful people.” “The Glaucoma Patient Summit is truly amazing. We learned about new diagnostic and treatment techniques, treatment options in the pipeline, and how to best navigate and advocate in our glaucoma care. The environment was professional, warm and inviting at the same time.”

The Seminars on Friday were 90-minute, interactive small-group sessions offering a deep dive into specific topics including “Understanding Normal Tension Glaucoma,” “Supporting Independence with Glaucoma and Low Vision,” and “I’ve Just Been Diagnosed with Glaucoma, Now What?” They were followed by an opening reception where attendees enjoyed networking with other patients, summit speakers, and exhibitors.

The Saturday sessions, hosted by L. Jay Katz, MD, Director Emeritus of the Wills Eye Hospital Glaucoma Service in Philadelphia, included an inspiring keynote talk by “Vision EYEcon” and best-selling author Kristin Smedley, and discussions of glaucoma medication, laser, and surgical treatment options presented by Monisha Vora, MD and Brian Shafer, MD. A glaucoma research update “Eyes on the Future” by Thomas V. Johnson, II, MD, PhD, was the top-rated session in our survey.

A treatment roundtable discussion and sessions on how to be your own advocate and nurture wellness while living with glaucoma rounded out the afternoon. Panelists included glaucoma patients and caregivers, glaucoma specialists, low vision specialists, and other healthcare professionals. An informative summation by Joel S. Schuman, MD, FACS wrapped up the summit, followed by a closing reception with plenty of time for networking and browsing the exhibit hall.

Watch videos from the sixth annual Glaucoma Patient Summit. Save the date for next year’s Patient Summit at the Marriott Dallas Las Colinas in Dallas, Texas: June 20 – 21, 2025.

Posted on August 8, 2024