Understanding Retinal OCT Imaging Biomarkers
For the inherited retinal disease (IRD) community, advanced diagnostic imaging tools are vital for understanding disease progression and clinical care. Discussions at recent industry events continue to highlight how imaging technology plays a role in modern eye care.
Highlights from AOA 2026
According to coverage by Optometry Times from the American Optometric Association (AOA) 2026 meeting, Raman Bhakhri, OD, FAAO, delivered a presentation focusing on retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging biomarkers. Dr. Bhakhri outlined key findings that clinicians can utilize as diagnostic and prognostic guides.
According to the report, these OCT-only findings assist eye care providers in diagnosing conditions, monitoring disease progression, and predicting outcomes across various eye diseases, including rare inherited conditions. OCT remains a non-invasive imaging method used to observe structural details within the retina.
What This Means for Patients and Families
For patients and families navigating retinal conditions, advancements in how clinicians interpret imaging scans help support more informed clinical decisions. Recognizing specific biomarkers allows practitioners to better track changes in retinal health over time during routine and specialized evaluations.
Looking Ahead
As optometric and ophthalmologic education continues to emphasize detailed imaging analysis, ongoing discussions at professional conferences will likely further define the practical application of these biomarkers in clinical practice.