On this week’s episode, the Defocus Media team discusses rewriting the geographic atrophy conversation with IZERVAY. Join us in an engaging podcast episode where Dr. Jennifer Lyerly engages with esteemed eye care experts, Dr. Cecelia Koetting and Dr. Darryl Glover, to discuss groundbreaking treatments for Geographic Atrophy and Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Dr. Koetting, practicing in Denver, CO, and renowned for her expertise in neuro-optometry and ocular surface disease, alongside Dr. Glover, delves into the latest FDA-approved medications, patient communication strategies, and the importance of collaborative eye care. This episode offers valuable insights for eye care professionals on how to have an AMD and geographic atrophy conversation.

Editorially Independently Sponsored by Iveric Bio, An Astellas Company. Iveric Bio had no control over the content of this piece.

Hope In Sight

Table of ContentsEditorially Independently Sponsored by Iveric Bio, An Astellas Company. Iveric Bio had no control over the content of this piece.

Dr. Jennifer Lyerly:

Dr. Koetting, I’m eager to hear about your professional journey since we graduated from The Southern College of Optometry. You’ve had quite an exciting career. You’ve been particularly busy over the last couple of years, haven’t you?

Dr. Cecelia Koetting:

Dr. Cecelia Koetting, Optometrist

Yes, indeed. After graduation, I completed my residency in Cincinnati at the VA. Following that, I briefly worked in Tucson for about a year. Then, for nearly a decade, I was in Virginia at a referral center, Virginia Eye Consultants, closely collaborating with ophthalmologists. My focus was primarily on eye diseases, which we humorously referred to as my “tenure fellowship.” It was an extraordinary experience. More recently, about two years ago, I relocated to Colorado and joined the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Here, I continue my specialization in eye diseases, particularly ocular and neurological disorders, but I also handle a variety of cases, as most of us do.

Dr. Jennifer Lyerly:

That’s intriguing. Are you involved in teaching, and what does your current position entail?

Dr. Cecelia Koetting:

Currently, I’m not teaching, but I hope to in the future. In Virginia, I served as both the extern and resident director at Eye Consultants, and I’m aiming to introduce similar opportunities for aspiring optometrists at the University of Colorado. Interestingly, our staff optometrists teach the ophthalmology residency program, which I think is quite remarkable.

Evolution of Patient Conversations Around Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration

Dr. Jennifer Lyerly: