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As optometry moves into 2026, the profession is experiencing one of its most clinically rich and technologically diverse periods in recent memory. Reflecting on 2025 reveals a year defined not by a single breakthrough, but by meaningful shifts in how eye care professionals diagnose, treat, and communicate with patients.
In Defocus Media’s annual Optometry Trends discussion, Dr. Darryl Glover and Dr. Jennifer Lyerly are joined by Dr. Jackie Garlich and Dr. Mark Schaefer to examine the innovations that actually changed behavior in practice. The conversation highlights an important theme: progress in optometry is no longer about access to tools—it is about intentional implementation.
Dry Eye Treatment in 2026: New Medications and Smarter Prescribing
Dry eye disease continues to evolve from a symptom-driven condition to a mechanism-driven diagnosis. In 2025, eye care professionals gained more clarity—and more responsibility—as new therapies expanded treatment options across multiple pathways.
Tear stimulation agents such as TRYPTYR introduced a different approach for patients with aqueous-deficient dry eye, shifting attention toward lacrimal gland activation rather than surface replacement alone. As discussed, success with these agents depends heavily on expectation setting, particularly around initial sensations and delayed therapeutic benefit.
At the lid margin, Xdemvy demonstrated durable improvement in patients with Demodex blepharitis, reinforcing the role of targeted therapy in restoring long-term gland function. Clinicians are increasingly recognizing that treating Demodex is not cosmetic—it directly impacts inflammation control and tear film stability.
In-office procedures continue to play a complementary role. IPL and thermal therapies are now widely accepted, while canalicular fill solutions such as Lacrifill offer an alternative to traditional punctal plugs by improving tear retention without sizing variability or plug loss. Together, these options allow clinicians to design dry eye protocols based on pathology rather than habit.
The takeaway for 2026 is clear: dry eye success comes from matching treatment to mechanism, not rotating through products.
Myopia Management in 2026: Stellest and the Shift Toward Standard of Care
One of the most impactful developments of 2025 was the arrival of FDA-approved myopia management glasses, including Stellest. This advancement addressed a longstanding barrier in myopia control—parent and patient hesitation around contact lenses.
Spectacle-based myopia management simplifies the conversation, broadens access, and allows clinicians to intervene earlier. As the panel emphasized, slowing myopic progression is not elective. Each diopter of progression avoided reduces long-term risk for retinal pathology, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy.
While atropine remains a valuable adjunct in select cases, myopia management glasses provide a scalable, accessible option that aligns more easily with daily routines. The profession’s challenge moving into 2026 will be consistency—ensuring that every progressive myope is offered evidence-based control options as part of routine care.
Presbyopia Drops in Practice: Qlosi, Vizz, and Patient Selection
Presbyopia drops continued to gain traction in 2025, but with an important evolution in mindset. Products such as Qlosi and Vizz are proving most successful when prescribed selectively rather than universally.
The panel addressed a common misconception: presbyopia drops do not replace glasses or contact lenses. Instead, they serve patients seeking flexibility in specific scenarios—social settings, short-duration tasks, or intermittent near demands. When expectations are set correctly, satisfaction rates improve substantially.
Concerns about negative optical impact have largely been mitigated by real-world data, which suggests that most patients using presbyopia drops continue to purchase traditional correction. In many cases, the availability of drops enhances trust and reinforces the perception of comprehensive care.
Wearable Technology in Eye Care: Nuance Audio and Smart Glasses
Technology in optometry increasingly intersects with lifestyle, and wearable innovation was a defining theme of 2025. Nuance Audio glasses exemplify this shift, allowing clinicians to address mild-to-moderate hearing challenges within the familiar context of eyewear.
The panel emphasized that adoption hinges on experience. When patients demo the technology in-office, benefits become immediately tangible—often leading to high satisfaction and unexpected use cases across age groups.
Smart eyewear platforms such as Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta further demonstrate how vision correction, performance tracking, and daily function are converging. These tools expand the exam lane conversation beyond acuity, positioning optometry as a gateway to broader quality-of-life solutions.
The Future of Optometry Education and Innovation
Innovation does not succeed without education that drives behavior change. A notable industry shift discussed was the consolidation of major meetings, including Vision Expo, reflecting a growing need for more effective continuing education models.
With an expanding therapeutic landscape, optometrists face information overload. The challenge for 2026 will be refining how knowledge is delivered, retained, and implemented—both in live settings and through digital platforms. Education must evolve to support decision-making, not just awareness.
Optometry Trends Looking Ahead
Optometry Trends 2026 reflect a profession that is clinically confident, technologically capable, and increasingly patient-centered. The tools are stronger, the evidence is clearer, and expectations—both from patients and within the profession—are higher than ever.
The opportunity now lies in execution: adopting new therapies thoughtfully, communicating with clarity, and continuing to elevate optometry’s role in comprehensive healthcare.
Watch the full episode to hear the complete discussion and join Defocus Media as we step into another year of innovation, impact, and leadership in eye care.
