AOA FOCUS logo

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

April 1, 2026

Amid growing GLP-1 use, the AOA’s national awareness campaign, Eye Deserve More, educates Americans on potential vision risks and reinforces the importance of comprehensive eye exams with a doctor of optometry.

Tag(s): Clinical Eye Care, Public Health, Diseases and Conditions

GLP-1 bottle with several pills laying next to it


Key Takeaways

  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • The AOA is conducting a national survey examining public perceptions of GLP-1 medications and awareness of potential side effects. 
  • AOA President Jacquie M. Bowen, O.D., participated in a satellite media tour, completing 20 back-to-back interviews, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive eye exams and highlighting findings from the AOA’s GLP-1 study. 
  • The AOA has developed a member toolkit to help you educate your patients and communities about GLP-1s and eye health.

This content is available to AOA members only

Already a member? Log in here.