This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Experts: Industry has major impact on physicians, research
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
ATLANTA — Industry plays a key role in ophthalmology and the subspecialty of glaucoma, but two physicians here differed on how much influence companies should have on clinical research and physicians.
At the Glaucoma Subspecialty Day at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting, Paul R. Lichter, MD, and Paul F. Palmberg, MD, PhD, offered opposing viewpoints on interactions between the ophthalmic community and industry representatives.
Dr. Lichter said the physician's role is based on the Hippocratic Oath, which puts patients' well-being above physicians' self-interests. He cited how companies spend approximately $57 billion a year in marketing to physicians. He asked if physicians can remain neutral and uninfluenced about industry products when receiving "gifts of all kinds" from companies.
"Industry investment must lead to a return on investment," Dr. Lichter said. "Industry is not a charity."
However, Dr. Palmberg said industry is instrumental in delivering information, assisting in research funding and identifying research needs. Industry has helped sponsor important clinical trials in glaucoma research, such as the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study, Dr. Palmberg said. Without industry support, physicians would not have access to new technology, products and techniques, he said.
"Industry's motivation really is the same as yours," he told the crowded audience. "They want to help patients retain or regain sight."