CME Presentations
Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Therapies
Presentations
Anti-VEGF Injections in the Era of COVID-19: Implications for Patients
Speakers: Jeffrey Heier, MDMatthew LevineCharles Wykoff, MD, PhD Duration: 30 minutes
Presented on: November 17, 2020
Management of the Diabetic Retinopathy: What is New?
Speakers: Jeffrey Heier, MDCharles Wykoff, MD, PhD Duration: 45 minutes
Presented on: November 17, 2020
Evolution of Treatment Paradigm for AMD: Evaluating the Data from Clinical and Real-life Experience
Speakers: Jeffrey Heier, MDMatthew LevineCharles Wykoff, MD, PhD Duration: 30 minutes
Presented on: November 17, 2020
Treatment Choices for Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)
Speakers: Jeffrey Heier, MDCharles Wykoff, MD, PhD Duration: 30 minutes
Presented on: November 17, 2020
Speakers
Jeffrey Heier, MD
Jeffrey Heier, MD
Jeffrey Heier, MD, is the co-president and medical director, director of the Vitreoretinal Service, and director of Retina Research at Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston (OCB). He is one of the leading retinal clinical researchers in the country for new treatments in exudative and non-exudative macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, venous occlusive disease, vitreoretinal surgical techniques and instrumentation, and diagnostic imaging of the retina. Dr Heier is a scientific advisor to many biotechnical or pharmaceutical companies, lectures nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous, peer-reviewed works. He is on the Executive Board of the Retina Society, the Executive Committee of the American Society of Retina Specialists, and a member of the Macula Society.
Matthew Levine
Matthew Levine
Matthew Levine is the grants, advocacy, and partnerships director of the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) in Germantown, Maryland. For the past 18 years, his professional career has been in the nonprofit, vision research grantmaking community, working with thought leaders and researchers to advance solutions for those affected by vision loss and blindness. Previously, at Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc., Matthew directed marketing and communications activities accompanying the distribution of more than $120 million to vision researchers. He has worked with chairs of departments of ophthalmology, research directors, scientists, and colleagues at other foundations to develop programs that empower those affected by loss-of-sight to lead fulfilling lives.
Charles Wykoff, MD, PhD
Charles Wykoff, MD, PhD
Charles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD, is director of research at Retina Consultants of Houston, chairman of research and clinical trials at Retina Consultants of America, and deputy chair for ophthalmology at Blanton Eye Institute in the Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. He is passionate about translational research and clinical trial design and has published over 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts with research interests pertaining to angiogenesis and exudative retinal diseases. Dr Wykoff serves on multiple scientific advisory boards and global steering committees for endeavors spanning the innovative process from early to late stage development. He is a founding member of the Ophthalmology Retina Editorial Board and is president-elect of the Vit-Buckle Society.
CME Information
Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Therapies:
Updates in Diabetic Eye Diseases, Retinal Vein Occlusion and Age-Related Macular Degeneration - A Four-Part Series
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to:
MODULE ONE: Anti-VEGF Injections in the Era of COVID-19: Implications for Patients- Discuss the potential impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the timely delivery of intravitreal anti-VEGF and vision monitoring
- Review strategies for maintaining optimal therapy for patients needing intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, while reducing COVID-19 transmission to patients, clinicians, and staff
- Define strategies to prepare patients for clinic visits under COVID-19 policies
- Review how the introduction of anti-VEGF therapy has affected the natural history of DR
- Highlight limitations of technologies and severity scales currently used to monitor disease progression
- Review recent clinical trials data and subsequent subanalyses from Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR.net) documenting the impact of anti-VEGF therapy on DR management
- Discuss the place of q12w dosing strategy in current treatment paradigms for AMD
- Analyze emerging data indicating that every eye is an anti-VEGF responder if diagnosed early and treated
- Discuss the place of new and emerging treatment strategies and paradigms for nAMD
- Discuss clinical data with anti-VEGF, steroid, and laser therapies and evolving injections paradigms for anti-VEGF
- Identify cases when steroid or PRP can be used in the first line management of RVO
- Apply AAO recent Preferred Practice Patterns in the management of patients with RVO
These activities are jointly provided by Global Education Group and PlatformQ Health Education, LLC, in collaboration with The American Macular Degeneration Foundation.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
These activities are supported by an independent medical education grant from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.TARGET AUDIENCE
The educational design of these activities addresses the needs of US-based retinal specialists and ophthalmologists who deliver anti-VEGF therapy for patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME), neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).STATEMENT OF NEED/PROGRAM OVERVIEW
While the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed health care delivery in the US, patients with vision diseases in need of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy must adhere to their treatment schedules or risk vision deterioration or loss. This includes patients with DR, DME, nAMD, and RVO. As therapies for these disorders continue to make incremental improvements to minimize treatment burden and improve outcomes, clinicians who provide anti-VEGF therapy need to be kept up to date with the latest data and best practices.MODULE ONE: Anti-VEGF Injections in the Era of COVID-19: Implications for Patients
Activity Overview
“Anti-VEGF Injections in the Era of COVID-19: Implications for Patients,” will discuss the provision of care during the pandemic and share strategies to reduce risk of transmission between patients, clinicians, and staff.Date of Release/Expiration
This activity was released on November 17, 2020 and is valid for 6 months. Requests for credit must be made no later than May 17, 2021.Physician Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Global Education Group (Global) and PlatformQ Health Education, LLC. Global is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.Physician Credit Designation
Global Education Group designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.Estimated Time to Complete
This activity should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.MODULE TWO: Management of the Diabetic Retinopathy: What is New?
Activity Overview
“Management of the Diabetic Retinopathy: What is New?,” the expert panelists will review the most recent data from studies lead by DRCR Retina Network with anti-VEGF therapies and the impacts on management and best practices in the care of DR and DME.Date of Release/Expiration
This activity was released on November 17, 2020 and is valid for 6 months. Requests for credit must be made no later than May 17, 2021.Physician Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Global Education Group (Global) and PlatformQ Health Education, LLC. Global is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.Physician Credit Designation
Global Education Group designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.Estimated Time to Complete
This activity should take approximately 45 minutes to complete.MODULE THREE: Evolution of Treatment Paradigm for AMD: Evaluating the Data from Clinical and Real-life Experience
Activity Overview
“Evolution of the Treatment Paradigm for AMD: Evaluating the Data from Clinical and Real-life Experience,” will look at progress with the use of modified dosing regimens and new agents to maximizing visual outcomes in AMD.Date of Release/Expiration
This activity was released on November 17, 2020 and is valid for 6 months. Requests for credit must be made no later than May 17, 2021.Physician Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Global Education Group (Global) and PlatformQ Health Education, LLC. Global is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.Physician Credit Designation
Global Education Group designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.Estimated Time to Complete
This activity should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.MODULE FOUR: Treatment Choices for Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)
Activity Overview
“Treatment Choices for Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO),” will explore the latest guidance on selecting and ordering treatments for RVOs.Date of Release/Expiration
This activity was released on November 17, 2020 and is valid for 6 months. Requests for credit must be made no later than May 17, 2021.Physician Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Global Education Group (Global) and PlatformQ Health Education, LLC. Global is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.Physician Credit Designation
Global Education Group designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.Estimated Time to Complete
This activity should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.INSTRUCTIONS TO RECEIVE CREDIT
In order to receive credit for each activity, the participant must (1) read the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure statements, (2) complete the educational activity online, and (3) complete the post-test and activity evaluation. To receive AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, participants must receive a minimum score of 70% on the post-test.HARDWARE/SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
Participants will need a computer with a recent version of Adobe Flash installed, as well as an internet connection sufficient for streaming media.FEE INFORMATION & REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY
There is no fee for any of these educational activities.DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Global Education Group (Global) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals and their spouses/life partners who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by Global for fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.
The faculty reported the following financial relationships or relationships to products or devices they or their spouse/life partner have with commercial interests related to the content of this CME activity:
Name of Faculty or Presenter Reported Financial Relationship Jeffrey S. Heier, MD
Co-President & Medical Director
Director, Retina Service
Director, Retina Research
Ophthalmic Consultants of BostonConsultant/Independent Contractor: 4DMT, Adverum, Aerie, Aerpio, Aldeyra, Allegro, Alzheon, Apellis, Aprea, Asclepix, Aviceda, Beaver-Visitec, DTx, Eloxx, Galimedix, Genentech, Graybug, Gyroscope, iRenix, Iveric, jCyte, Kala, Kanghong, NGM, Notal Vision, Novartis, Ocular Therapeutix, Oxurion, Palatin, Regeneron, Regenxbio, Santen, Stealth, Thea, Vinci, Voyant
Grant/Research Support: Aerpio, Aldeyra, Apellis, Bayer, Genentech, Graybug, Gyroscope, Hemera, Iveric, Janssen R&D, jCyte, Kanghong, Novartis, Regeneron, Regenxbio, Stealth
Stock Shareholder: Adverum, Aldeyra, Allegro, Aviceda, jCyte, Ocular TherapeutixCharles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD
Physician
Retina Consultants of America
Retina Consultants of Houston
Houston Methodist Hospital & Blanton Eye InstituteConsultant/Independent Contractor: Acucela, Adverum, Alcon, Alimera Sciences, Allergan, Apellis, Arctic Vision, Bausch + Lomb, Bayer, Bionic Vision Technologies, Chengdu Kanghong Biotechnologies (KHB), Clearside Biomedical, DORC, Genentech, Gyroscope, IVERIC Bio, Kodiak Sciences, Merck, NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Novartis, ONL Therapeutics, Opthea, Oxurion, Palatin, Polyphotonix, Recens Medical, Regeneron, RegenXBio, Roche, Takeda, Thea Open Innovation, Verana Health
Speaker’s Bureau: RegeneronMatthew Levine
Grants, Advocacy and Partnerships Director
American Macular Degeneration FoundationNothing to disclose
The planners and managers reported the following financial relationships or relationships to products or devices they or their spouse/life partner have with commercial interests related to the content of this CME activity:
Name of Planner or Manager Reported Financial Relationship Lindsay Borvansky Nothing to disclose Andrea Funk Nothing to disclose Liddy Knight Nothing to disclose Ashley Cann Nothing to disclose Jaimee Harris-Gold Nothing to disclose Carole Drexel Nothing to disclose DISCLOSURE OF UNLABELED USE
This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA. Global Education Group (Global) and PlatformQ Health Education, LLC. do not recommend the use of any agent outside of the labeled indications.
The opinions expressed in the educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily represent the views of any organization associated with this activity. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.DISCLAIMER:
Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient management. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of patient conditions and possible contraindications on dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities.CONTACT INFORMATION
Accreditation Support:
For information about the accreditation of this program, please contact Global at 303-395-1782 or cme@globaleducationgroup.com.
Technical Support:
For any technical issues or issues with your CME Certificate, please contact ClinicalSeriesLive at 877-394-1306 or at Support@ClinicalSeriesLive.com.
