Digging in to Inherited Retinal Disease

Learn why this is a newly accessible opportunity for practice

By: AMANDA S. LEGGE, OD

Optometric Management October 1, 2025 Vol 60(8), Issue October 2025 Page(s): 11, 12, 14, 33

5 Key Takeaways

1

Inherited retinal disease (IRD) care is now accessible to optometrists due to advances in imaging and genetic testing.
2

Widefield imaging techniques like FAF and OCT are crucial for diagnosing IRDs and differentiating them from conditions like AMD.
3

Genetic testing confirmed the patient's diagnosis of pseudo-Stargardt pattern dystrophy, highlighting the variability in IRD symptoms.
4

Functional tests such as visual field testing and dark adaptation are important for monitoring disease progression in IRDs.
5

Recent advancements in genetic research have identified over 100 new IRD-related genes, improving diagnosis and treatment options.

Amanda S. Legge

Specialties: Optometry

Bio: Amanda S. Legge, OD, is an optometrist whose clinical writing focuses on age-related macular degeneration. In Optometric Management, she has written about preventing conversion to advanced AMD through early and accurate diagnosis, ongoing monitoring, and patient education. Her article emphasizes the role of optometrists in managing dry AMD, including careful ophthalmoscopy, optical coherence tomography, functional testing such as dark adaptation, and use of the Beckman Classification system to guide monitoring and management decisions.

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Optometric Management

Digging in to Inherited Retinal Disease

5 Key Takeaways

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