AOA brings eye health, doctors of optometry into the national GLP-1 conversation

As GLP-1 medications continue to dominate national health conversations, the AOA is ensuring that eye health is part of that dialogue. With an estimated 12% of U.S. adults reporting they have used a GLP-1, the AOA’s Eye Deserve More campaign is leading a public awareness effort to educate Americans about the rare but serious vision-related risks associated with these medications, and the critical role doctors of optometry play in protecting patients’ overall health. 

According to a 2025 clinical report by the AOA’s Evidence-based Optometry Committee, patients should receive a baseline, in-person, comprehensive eye exam within 12 months prior to starting a GLP-1 medication or within one month of initiating treatment, particularly for those with diabetes or age-related macular degeneration.  

Using a strategic mix of media outreach, advertising, sponsored content and social media, the AOA is highlighting the importance of timely, comprehensive eye care. The campaign targets key health decision-makers (adults ages 40–60 who are taking or considering GLP-1 medications for weight loss or diabetes management) and drives them to AOA’s doctor locator with a simple but urgent message: while GLP-1s offer meaningful health benefits, patients must also prioritize their eye health and seek care from an AOA doctor. 

To further amplify this message, the AOA is conducting a national survey examining public perceptions of GLP-1 medications and awareness of potential side effects. National media outreach is helping expand the reach and reinforce the role of optometrists as essential members of the care team. As part of these efforts, AOA President Jacquie M. Bowen, O.D., participated in a satellite media tour (SMT) on March 30, completing 20 back-to-back interviews [see here]. During these appearances, she emphasized the importance of comprehensive eye exams, highlighted findings from AOA’s GLP-1 study and directed audiences to AOA resources.  

On its first day alone, the SMT generated an estimated reach of more than 377 million across television, radio and online news outlets, a figure that continues to grow as additional coverage airs. 

The AOA is also partnering with trusted media platforms, Bustle and The Skimm, along with social media content creators who will break down clinical guidance into clear, easy-to-understand information for their engaged audiences. Across these channels, the campaign is raising awareness of potential risks—such as worsening diabetic retinopathy, rare cases of sudden vision loss and possible links to age-related macular degeneration—while emphasizing the importance of early detection and regular comprehensive eye exams. 

Key messages for doctors to reinforce with patients: 

• GLP-1 medications can provide important health benefits, but eye health must be part of the conversation. While rare, serious eye-related risks have been reported in some patients. 
• Patients should not stop taking prescribed medications, but they should receive a comprehensive eye exam before starting treatment (within 12 months prior or within one month of initiation) and maintain regular follow-up care.  
• Educate patients on warning signs, such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision or dark areas in sight, and encourage them to seek immediate care if symptoms arise.