Seeing is believing? GLP-1 therapies and eye disease
| Sunday, May 31, 2026 |
| 2:00 PM - 2:20 PM |
| Royal Benowa Ballroom |
Overview
Dr Andrew Stafford
Details
Whilst GLP-1 agonists are revolutionising the management of a broad range of conditions, their use is not without risks. These agents are associated with important effects on the eyes, benefitting some conditions yet increasing the risk of others. This presentation will explore some of the major ocular effects of GLP-1 agonists and how consultant pharmacists can contribute to their safe and appropriate use.
Learning Objectives
1. Discuss the evidence linking GLP 1 receptor agonists with non arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and how to manage patients at risk.
2. Describe how GLP 1 receptor agonists may influence the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Competency Standards (2016): 1.4, 2.1, 3.1, 3.5
Speaker
Dr Andrew Stafford
Associate Professor
Curtin School of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, Curtin University
Seeing is believing? GLP-1 therapies and eye disease
Biography
Andrew is a credentialed pharmacist, academic, and nationally recognised leader in aged care and dementia pharmacy practice. He is an Associate Professor in Pharmacy at Curtin University’s School of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, where his work focuses on improving the safe and effective use of medicines for older people, particularly those living with dementia. His expertise spans polypharmacy, psychotropic medication use, deprescribing, and pharmacist led medication management services, addressing priorities of national and global importance in ageing and medicines safety.
An award winning educator, Andrew is widely recognised for his innovative, practice ready approach to pharmacy education. He has led the development of high impact digital and simulation based learning resources, and his teaching excellence has been acknowledged through institutional teaching awards and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
Andrew leads an active, collaborative research program in aged care pharmacy. His research has produced multiple publications, national clinical practice guidelines and invited presentations at major Australian and international conferences. His work has demonstrated real world impact, including evidence linking pharmacist led medication reviews with improved health outcomes for older people.
Beyond academia, Andrew maintains strong engagement with the pharmacy profession. He is a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and previously the Australian and New Zealand College of Advanced Pharmacy. Andrew regularly advises professional bodies, contributes to national guidelines, and serves on conference organising committees and academic boards. Andrew has been a regular presenter at ConPharm and CPC conferences since 2012 on various topics related to his research and practice.