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Last week’s 2026 Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Innovation Conference, Defining Global Standards for Glaucoma Endpoints, marked a major success. Organized and hosted by Dr. Lama Al-Aswad—Chair of the Glaucoma Division—the event brought together leading experts to advance alignment and innovation in the field.

The conference featured a strong program of presentations and discussions by experts and industry panelists that focused on establishing clearer, more consistent endpoints for glaucoma research and care. Attendees praised the informative sessions and collaborative environment fostered by the leaders in this field.

Under Dr. Al-Aswad’s leadership, the meeting not only showcased cutting-edge work but also reinforced a shared commitment to shaping global standards and driving progress in glaucoma.

The American Glaucoma Society meeting showcased research led by one of our PGY4 residents, Mike Morano. Titled "An Assessment of the Economic Cost of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Treatment and Management by Disease Severity," the project examined the real‑world financial burden of primary open‑angle glaucoma. The study highlighted how the economic impact of glaucoma rises sharply with disease progression—not only through medical costs, but through lost work and daily productivity, especially for younger individuals. This work underscores the importance of early intervention and offers a practical framework for tailoring treatment decisions to both disease severity and a patient’s financial circumstances.