In a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases, researchers from Notal Vision demonstrated how home optical coherence tomography (OCT) data significantly influences the management decisions of physicians treating patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). This study is particularly relevant for eye care professionals aiming to enhance patient outcomes through innovative monitoring technologies.
Key Findings of the Study
The study involved 15 board-certified retina specialists who reviewed home OCT data collected from patients under standard care. The data included volume scans and AI-driven analytics, providing insights into disease activity and treatment responses. The findings revealed that home OCT data led to substantial changes in treatment decisions. In over 42% of cases, physicians chose not to treat patients who previously received treatment. Furthermore, when treatment became necessary, physicians often recommended earlier intervention, with 61% suggesting that they see patients one or more weeks sooner than they would under traditional monitoring practices.
Optimizing Patient Care
This shift in decision-making underscores the potential of home OCT to significantly optimize patient care. The study’s authors estimate that implementing this type of monitoring could save the health care system over $1 billion by reducing unnecessary treatments. Dr. Ankoor R. Shah, the senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of granular, up-to-date OCT data in improving personalized care, thereby preventing both over-treatment and under-treatment of patients.
Embracing Home OCT in Clinical Practice
In conclusion, integrating home OCT into clinical practice represents a significant advancement in managing nAMD. ECPs should consider the implications of these findings for their practice. The ability to monitor patients remotely can lead to improved outcomes and more efficient use of health care resources. As the field continues to evolve, embracing these technologies will be crucial in delivering high-quality, personalized care to patients.
Disclaimer: Although the studies are scientifically sound and clinically relevant, they present some limitations, including that it was retrospective in nature and not designed to detect differences in visual outcomes or treatment-related costs. The current study was biased towards earlier treatment compared to actual care because it was not possible for the data reviewing physician to delay care beyond the date of actual treatment. Physician decisions were made based on anatomical data obtained from home OCT alone and visual acuity changes over time were not provided. The relatively small number of physicians, patients and eyes in this study limits the generalizability of the findings to all nAMD patients in the United States. We encourage physicians to read these studies to understand the strengths and limitations of the data. Please note that the FDA has not reviewed these studies. For some claims, Notal Vision may seek to broaden the indications with the FDA in the future using data, such as these studies, to provide the required substantiation.
See product labeling [https://notalvision.com/services/scanly-oct] for the indications for use and important safety information.
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