AOA continues to lead GLP-1 eye health guidance across national media and medicine

This year, the AOA has been leading public awareness around GLP-1 medications and eye health through the Eye Deserve More campaign—and encouraging patients to get a comprehensive eye exam before treatment. The AOA’s message continues to hit the national media. 

Most recently, the Wall Street Journal highlighted the AOA’s 2025 clinical report, “Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Ocular Health: Guidance for Optometric Practice” in its reporting on the surge of patients suing GLP-1 drugmakers due to nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), sudden optic nerve damage that can cause vision loss. 

The article states, “In 2025, the American Optometric Association recommended that any patient starting a GLP-1 get an eye exam to check their optic nerve health. Having a physically small or crowded optic nerve, also called a ‘disc at risk,' is the single strongest anatomical risk factor for developing NAION, optometrists and neuro-ophthalmologists said." 

It also says "If a patient has a disc that 'does look scary, then that’s a conversation,' said Dr. Teri Geist, an optometrist and president of the association. ‘But I don’t think every person being on a GLP-1 needs to worry about going blind.’” 

While GLP-1 medications offer important health benefits and have been taken by some 12% of American adults in their lifetime, eye health is a crucial part of patient counseling. A baseline eye exam within 12 months before treatment, or within one month of starting treatment, can help doctors of optometry detect changes early.

GLP-1 medications and vision risks 

NAION affects up to 1 in 10,000 patients on semaglutide, according to the 2025 AOA report “Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Ocular Health: Guidance for Optometric Practice.” A small or crowded optic nerve is considered the strongest risk factor for NAION. People over age 50, as well as those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or sleep apnea, may also have a higher risk. 

NAION isn’t the only potential eye concern for patients on weight loss medications. In some patients with diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes-related eye condition that affects the blood vessels in the eye, GLP-1 use has been associated with early worsening of the condition. Emerging data also suggests a small increased risk of wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), a serious eye condition that can cause permanent vision loss. 

The benefits of GLP-1 medications might outweigh these risks for individual patients. But it is important for patients to be aware, get an eye exam before starting treatment and continue with regular-follow up eye exams while on GLP-1 medications. 

How doctors of optometry can help 

The AOA has shared key messages for doctors of optometry to communicate to their patients taking GLP-1 medications: 

• GLP-1 medications can offer important health benefits, but eye health must be part of the conversation. While these medications are effective for managing diabetes and weight, research from the AOA suggests they may be associated with rare but serious eye-related risks in some patients. 
• These risks don’t mean you should stop taking your medication, but they do show why it’s important to have an eye exam before starting, and regular follow-up exams during treatment. A baseline exam within 12 months before treatment, or within one month is recommended to help doctors of optometry detect changes early and protect your eye health over time. 
• Learn the warning signs. If you notice sudden vision loss in one eye, dark or missing areas in your sight, blurred vision, or color changes, contact a doctor of optometry immediately.

Eye Deserve More elevates eye health in the national conversation  

The initiative is reaching millions of Americans with an important message: while these medications can deliver significant health benefits, patients should also prioritize their eye health through regular, comprehensive care from an AOA doctor. 

Through a strategic mix of earned media, advertising, sponsored content and social media engagement, the AOA has been driving awareness, educating the public and directing audiences to the AOA doctor locator. Key campaign activations include: 

• National satellite media tour: On March 30, then-AOA President Jacquie M. Bowen, O.D., participated in 20 back-to-back interviews across television, radio and digital outlets. To date, the tour has generated 505 TV, radio and online placements with a combined reach of more than 479 million, including coverage on CNN, iHeartRadio and Yahoo News.  
• Influencer partnerships: The AOA partnered with two health-focused social creators to position optometrists as an essential part of the GLP-1 care journey. Content emphasized the importance of comprehensive eye exams, early symptom recognition, expert guidance and directed patients to AOA’s doctor locator to find care near them.  
• National consumer survey and media outreach: The AOA commissioned a national survey examining public perceptions of eye health as preventative care, as well as GLP-1 medications and awareness of potential eye-related side effects. To date, survey findings have been featured in 194 articles with a total audience reach of 4.3 billion, significantly exceeding benchmarks of 100 placements and 50 million impressions.  
• Trusted media partnerships: Partnerships with Bustle and The Skimm helped expand awareness while reinforcing the importance of early detection and routine eye care. Digital advertising also ran across Good Housekeeping, Prevention, Oprah Daily and Women’s Health.