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ODs should be able to educate patients on genetic testing

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NEW YORK – “Optometry is on the front lines of primary health care. You need a foundational knowledge of what’s happening in genetics,” a speaker here at Vision Expo East told optometrists.

Ken Eakland, OD, of Pacific University College of Optometry said genetics will affect the optometric practice.

“Genetic testing is becoming more commonplace; consumers know it’s out there,” he said. “You have to be able to answer your patients’ questions.

“Most multifactorial systemic diseases have a genetic component,” Eakland said. “Our understanding of how this influences everything is growing, and it’s hard to keep up with. We’re starting to look at how we match pharmacology with the genetic profile. Instead of prescribing a specific drug to a specific patient, we’re ordering a specific drug for a specific genetic profile.”

The EyeGene project from the National Eye Institute has found nearly 500 genes that contribute to eye disease over the last 15 years and is mapping them. Eakland urged optometrists to participate in the study.

He shared a number of complimentary websites that provide a host of information on genetics and genetic testing.

Public Health Genomics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides weekly updates on the area of genetics, he said.

“The site categorizes genetic tests and family history, regarding what it finds, if it’s covered by insurance, if it’s available in the clinic,” Eakland said.

The site www.genetests.org  provides 600 reviews of disorders with genetic tests, he said, along with a clinic directory, laboratory contact information and support organizations.

“It provides information on what type of genetic consult you might need,” Eakland said.

The site familyhistory.hhs.gov allows you to fill in your family history and analyze your risk, he said.

“We must be able to educate our patients and explain what’s happening in the field, what’s happening to them relative to their eye disease,” Eakland said. “We have to be able to coordinate their care. You become part of the triad: the genetics profession, you and the patient.” – by Nancy Hemphill, ELS

Disclosure: Eakland has no relevant financial disclosures.