I am honored to step in to the role as the new columnist for Optometric Management’s “Glaucoma” column, a space dedicated to sharing insights and advancing our collective understanding of one of the most complex and evolving areas of eye care.
Several hats
I wear several hats in my professional life. I am the medical director of the Glaucoma Institute of State College; lead optometrist at Nittany Eye Associates, a multi-location practice in Pennsylvania; a researcher (when time permits); and I’m on the executive committee of the Optometric Glaucoma Society. Above all, I am a lecturer who treasures engaging with my fellow optometrists to bridge the gaps among the latest research, clinical insights, and practical applications of both.
Two guiding goals
At the heart of my professional journey, two goals have guided my work. The first and, perhaps, most important has been to provide an exceptional patient experience. This philosophy stems from the understanding that glaucoma is not merely a clinical condition to be managed. It is a deeply personal journey for each patient. The subtle anxiety in a patient’s eyes during a diagnosis, or the quiet relief when structural and functional stability is confirmed, speaks to the human element of our profession.
My second goal is to elevate our collective understanding of glaucoma. With advancements in diagnostic technology and therapeutic interventions, there is so much more to explore beyond standard IOP measurements and clinical optic nerve head assessments. I hope to bring new insights to you through this column, empowering all of us to better detect, monitor, and treat this condition.
Clinical interests
My clinical interests in glaucoma include interventional glaucoma, which provides an evolving landscape of laser and minimally invasive surgical options for our patients. I have also been particularly invested in the potential of optical coherence angiography (OCT-A) to offer deeper insights into microvascular changes in glaucoma, and in electroretinography, which allows us to assess retinal function. Additionally, angle imaging, an often-underutilized tool in clinical practice, remains one of my passions — shedding light on the nuanced anatomy of the anterior segment, especially in cases involving the angle-closure spectrum.
Our journey
As I embark on this journey with you, I hope to bring both practical knowledge and thought-provoking discussions to this column and carry on the work of my exceptional predecessor, Dr. Austin Lifferth, now Optometric Management’s clinical editor.
Glaucoma remains a multifaceted and often enigmatic condition, but it is also an area where we optometrists are well-positioned to make a significant difference in its earlier detection and management. Through continued learning and collaboration, we can enhance the care we provide to our patients, while pushing the boundaries of our understanding of this disease.
Stay tuned
Thank you for welcoming me onto this platform. I look forward to connecting with you through our shared passion for glaucoma and continuing the important work of advancing our profession. I hope this column serves as a resource and as a source of inspiration for you. Along the way, I plan on challenging our collective assumptions on current glaucoma management. OM