Opinion
Video
Experts provide a perspective on disparities in accessibility and outcomes based on the current socioeconomic landscape in health care.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a Stakeholder Summit involving:
Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA; Jai G. Parekh, MD, MBA; and Alexander Kabiri, OD.
Kabiri notes higher dry eye disease (DED) prevalence in lower socioeconomic urban areas due to greater systemic disease and use of DED-promoting medications. Expensive treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction requiring out-of-pocket payment also contribute to lower uptake in these areas. A new prescription therapy able to address evaporative DED could narrow disparities, but broad payer coverage remains important regardless of patient insurance status.
Parekh discusses the shift of health care from inpatient to outpatient settings. Ophthalmology has traditionally operated outpatient but still represents a major cost center considering retinal disease. Similar economics are emerging for conditions like glaucoma and DED, with the latter becoming more prevalent at younger ages, enabling earlier intervention. Many DED patients have comorbid systemic diseases that negatively impact ocular surface health. Supporting clear, comfortable vision promotes better disease self-management and function. Comprehensive DED coverage thus warrants integration into broader health policy to address needs. Haumschild concurs regarding the value of initial investments in DED control yielding longer-term cost offsets and economic benefits.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMCÒ editorial staff.