Fostering Advocacy Efforts in Ophthalmology with Michael X. Repka, MD

By actively shaping policy, the medical community helps safeguard the future of care and ensures equitable treatment for all. With a rapidly evolving treatment landscape in ophthalmology, ophthalmologists must prioritize patient safety while engaging with policymakers to address barriers to these novel therapies.

In an interview with HCPLive, Michael X. Repka, MD, a professor of ophthalmology and pediatrics at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and 2025 President of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, emphasized the essential role of advocacy in integrating new ophthalmologic treatments into clinical practice.

Repka recently presented a session entitled “The Importance of Advocacy in Protecting Patients” at the Texas Ophthalmological Association (TOA) Annual Meeting in Houston, Texas.

He explained that while some innovations are widely recognized for their benefits, others face significant hurdles in securing coverage and acceptance due to cost or limited patient populations. Advocacy is critical in ensuring that impactful advancements receive appropriate consideration and funding, allowing equitable access to high-quality eye care.

Repka also highlighted the diverse ways physicians can engage in advocacy, noting that while not all clinicians are policy experts, small actions—such as discussing patient experiences with policymakers or attending fundraisers—can make a difference. He stressed that participation should align with individual comfort levels but not be ignored, particularly in an era of increasing financial pressures on healthcare systems.

Reflecting on the complexity of the U.S. healthcare system, Repka acknowledged that while it may not be an ideal model, it is the framework within which advocacy must operate. He praised regions with strong physician engagement in policy discussions, particularly Texas, as examples of how fostering a culture of advocacy can drive meaningful change.

Repka indicated the expansion of this culture across the medical community could be key to ensuring sustained access to critical ophthalmologic care.

Disclosures: Repka reports disclosures with AbbVie and Alcon.

References

Repka MX. The Importance of Advocacy in Protecting Patients. Presented at Texas Ophthalmological Association (TOA) Annual Meeting. Houston, Texas. March 21-22, 2025

Michael X. Repka, MD, MBA, begins term as 2025 president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. American Academy of Ophthalmology. January 3, 2025. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/michael-x-repka-md-mba-begins-term-as-president.