Prioritising the Burden of Geographic Atrophy and Treatment Expectations: A Modified Nominal Group Technique Study with International Patient-Led Organisations.

This study gathered perspectives from representatives of international patient-led organisations to understand what matters most to people living with geographic atrophy (GA), a severe form of dry age-related macular degeneration. Using a structured group discussion method, participants identified key challenges such as loss of independence, difficulty recognising faces, problems with daily activities, and mental health impacts like anxiety and depression. When asked about treatment expectations, they prioritised maintaining existing vision (vision stability), the ability to recognise faces, and having a one-time treatment instead of frequent procedures. These findings suggest that for patients, meaningful treatment outcomes go beyond clinical measures—what truly matters is slowing further vision loss, minimising treatment burden, and supporting mental well-being and daily functioning. Future research and treatment planning should reflect these priorities and include broader, more diverse patient voices.

Paudel N, Moran EM, Stafford S, McVicker K, Stratieva P, Daly A. Prioritising the Burden of Geographic Atrophy and Treatment Expectations: A Modified Nominal Group Technique Study with International Patient-Led Organisations. Clin Ophthalmol. 2025;19:3317-3329
https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S525046

Published 9 September 2025 Volume 2025:19 Pages 3317—3329.