ARVO 2025: Advancing ophthalmology research through innovation and collaboration
Amber Burg, Therapy Area Delivery Head of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology at Fortrea, shares her insights from this years ARVO conference in Salt Lake City.
The rain may have been relentless at ARVO 2025, but the energy and innovation flowing through the conference halls were unstoppable. As we dodged downpours between meetings, the Fortrea team was energized by conversations that pointed to an exciting future for ophthalmology research—one driven by artificial intelligence, patient-centric design, and meaningful collaboration across the industry.
AI takes center stage in clinical trial innovation
The buzz around AI technology was impossible to ignore. Everywhere we turned, conversations centered on how artificial intelligence could transform clinical trials, particularly in ophthalmology where imaging plays such a critical role in patient eligibility and outcomes.
This shift represents a game-changing opportunity to tackle one of our industry's persistent challenges: high screen failure rates. When AI can more accurately assess patient eligibility through advanced image analysis, we're not just improving trial efficiency - we're reducing the disappointment and burden on patients who might otherwise go through screening only to be told they don't qualify.
Throughout ARVO, Fortrea strengthened relationships with several AI technology vendors, expanding our already robust suite of solutions. These collaborations position us to offer sponsors cutting-edge tools that can streamline trial design and improve patient selection from day one.
Global Genes event highlights the human impact of our work
For the second year running, Fortrea was proud to co-sponsor the Global Genes networking event - and what an incredible gathering it was. The room buzzed with industry leaders, biotech and pharma representatives, patient advocacy groups, and most importantly, the patients whose lives our work directly impacts.
The conversations throughout the evening reminded us why we do what we do. We're no longer just talking about vision impairment - we're discussing vision restoration. The advances in gene therapy, cell therapy, and other breakthrough treatments are opening doors that seemed impossible just a few years ago .
Hearing directly from patients and advocacy groups reinforced the critical importance of every protocol we design, every endpoint we measure, and every trial we execute. Their stories fuel our commitment to advancing ophthalmology research with both scientific rigor and deep empathy for the patient experience.
Patient burden takes priority in trial design
Our inaugural lunch and networking event proved that the best innovations come from collaborative thinking. We brought together patient advocacy groups, site partners, vendors, and biotech and biopharma companies for an interactive session focused on one crucial question: How can we reduce patient burden in ophthalmology clinical trials?
The ideas that emerged were both practical and inspiring. From concierge travel services that include umbrellas for light-sensitive patients walking from door-to-car, to strategic reduction of exploratory endpoints that extend clinic visits unnecessarily - every suggestion centered on making the trial experience more manageable for participants.
One of the most important discussions addressed the emotional toll when trials end or terminate early. Participants shared thoughtful strategies for communicating follow-up treatment options and supporting patients through these transitions. The conversation reinforced a fundamental truth: successful trials aren't just about collecting data - they're about caring for the people who make that data possible.
Building the future of ophthalmology research
ARVO 2025 showcased an ophthalmology industry in transformation. The integration of AI technology, the unwavering focus on patient-centric approaches, and the collaborative spirit we witnessed across every interaction point to an exciting road ahead.
Our ocular team returned from the conference with strengthened existing relationships and promising new opportunities. Each conversation, whether with clients, vendors, site partners, or patient advocacy groups, reinforced our shared commitment to advancing ophthalmology research in ways that truly matter.
The future of vision care is bright, and we're energized to be part of shaping it. Denver, here we come - ARVO 2026 can't arrive soon enough.
Reach out to us today and let’s talk about how Fortrea can support your next breakthrough.– https://www.fortrea.com/contact
Learn more about our ophthalmology offering - https://www.fortrea.com/therapeutics/ophthalmology