GLP-1 receptor agonists and vision health: What ophthalmologists should know

In this episode, I am joined by my fellow Barometer Program and Vision Academy member Professor Prof. Francisco J. Rodríguez, Chair at the National Ophthalmological Foundation and Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Rosario in Bogota, Colombia.Join us as we explore the growing evidence surrounding the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and their implications in ophthalmology. We discuss the latest preclinical and clinical data on GLP-1s in retinal disease, including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, examine emerging ocular safety topics, and consider the potential public health implications of widespread GLP-1 receptor agonist use. Finally, we discuss the role of ophthalmologists in monitoring patients and shaping future research in this rapidly evolving field.If you enjoyed this episode, SUBSCRIBE to “A Chat with Anat” to make sure you never miss an episode! Speaker disclosures:Professor Anat LoewensteinConsultant: 4DMT; AbbVie; Astellas; Bayer; Boehringer Ingelheim; EyePoint Pharmaceuticals; Notal Vision; Ocular Therapeutix; Oculis; Ocuphire; Revenio; and RocheProfessor Francisco J. RodríguezConsultant: Bayer, Novartis, and Roche; Speaker: Bayer, Novartis, and Roche; Research funding: Novartis August 2026 | PP-PF-OPHT-ALL-0320-1Further information on topics discussed in this podcast:Ahuja A, et al. JAMA Ophthalmol.2025;143:999–1003. Albanese GM. et al. Diabetology. 2025;6:117.Allan K. et al. Ophthalmol. 2025;132:748–57.Bain, SC. Diabetes & Primary Care. 23:103–4. Celletti F, et al. JAMA. 2026;335:434–38.FDA. Ozempic® (semaglutide) Prescribing Information. 2025,Luo Y, et al. BMC Ophthalmol. 2026;26:12. Pillai P, Modarressi T. Am Col Cardiol.2024.Shor R, et al. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2025;143:587–94.Talebi R, et al. Retina. 2025;45:1663–71. Vilsbøll T, et al. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2018;20:889–97. Wołos-Kłosowicz K, et al. J Clin Med. 2022;11:6183. This podcast series is intended for HCPs, and is not intended for UK audiences. Always refer to local treatment guidelines and relevant prescribing information. Please review the product information before prescribing.This podcast series is produced and funded by Bayer Consumer Care AG. The views and opinions expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, based on their clinical experience and expertise.The Barometer Program is managed by clinical leaders in ophthalmology as well as representatives from the IFA, IAPB and Bayer Consumer Care AG. The activities of the Barometer Program are funded and facilitated by Bayer Consumer Care AG where the scientists and representatives from IFA and IAPB retain decision authority to the research scope, methods, analysis of findings, and dissemination of the outputs of the Barometer Program.The Vision Academy is a group of over 80 international experts who, through their collective expertise, provide consensus guidance for managing clinically challenging situations, especially in areas of controversy or with insufficient conclusive evidence. The Vision Academy is funded and facilitated by Bayer Consumer Care AG. The opinions and guidance of the Vision Academy outputs are those of its members and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Bayer Consumer Care AG.