Physicians across Retina Consultants of America Network to Present Key Trial Data and Clinical Insights at ASRS 2026

Research highlights advances in the management of vitreoretinal diseases, including surgical innovation and approaches for optimizing patient outcomes

Southlake, Texas (July 13, 2026) — Retina specialists across the Retina Consultants of America (RCA) network will present clinical trial data, real-world evidence, surgical techniques, and novel treatment approaches across more than 30 sessions at the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) 44th Annual Meeting, July 15-18.

The research features late-breaking abstracts and clinical trial data, including data from a gene therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a comparative analysis of anti-complement induced thickening of the retinal nerve fiber layer, and first-time phase 3 trial outcomes involving a novel, long-duration anti-VEGF agent for patients with diabetic retinopathy.

"The presentations reflect the breadth, depth, and quality of research being conducted at RCA practices and our shared commitment to advancing novel treatments and management strategies to improve patient outcomes by preserving and improving vision," said Charles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD, FASRS, Director of Research at Retina Consultants of Texas and Chair of Research at Retina Consultants of America.

The presentations, led by physicians at 15 RCA-affiliated practices, reflect several themes shaping the future of retina care — from imaging and AI to medical and surgical management:

• Advancing next-generation therapies for retinal disease. Multiple presentations will focus on emerging therapies, including results from a study of using suprachoroidal delivery of an investigational gene therapy for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

• Improving care through innovation and technology. Presentations will feature novel surgical technique data for extra-large and XX-large macular holes, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to predict the location of retinal tears in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

• Addressing rare and complex retinal conditions. Physicians will present research in pediatric retinal disease, ocular oncology and retinal detachment in patients with Stickler syndrome.

In addition to the presentations, Carl C. Awh, MD, FASRS (Tennessee Retina) will receive the ASRS Founders Award for his major contributions to the advancement of vitreoretinal surgery, treatment, research and patient care, and Joel A. Pearlman, MD, PhD, FASRS (Retinal Consultants Medical Group) will receive the Packo Award, recognizing his exceptional service to the ASRS.

"The ASRS Annual Meeting is the premier scientific forum for retina specialists globally, and RCA's engagement at this year's event reflects the dedication among physicians at affiliated practices to fighting blindness through cutting-edge clinical research," said Geoffrey G. Emerson, MD, PhD, FASRS, president of ASRS and a physician at Retina Consultants of Minnesota. "That commitment enables us to offer patients groundbreaking treatment options closer to where they live, while contributing to advancements in vitreoretinal diseases that will help shape the future of retina care."

RCA operates the leading retina clinical research network in the United States, with more than 50 sites involved in Phases I — IV studies. RCA provides practices and site-level investigators with centralized services and infrastructure to help them build and expand their research programs, increasing patient access to clinical trials and helping advance the next generation of retinal treatments for patients.

A full list of RCA physician presentations and sessions can be found here.

For more information about RCA Research, visit: www.retinaconsultantsofamerica.com/rca-research.

About Retina Consultants of America (RCA)

Retina Consultants of America (RCA), a part of Cencora, is a network of leading retina specialists with the mission of saving sight and improving patient lives through innovation and the highest quality care. Through RCA's practice management model, physicians retain full control over clinical decision-making and practice-specific decisions, while benefiting from the business expertise, resources and shared best practices available through RCA. RCA also operates the leading retina clinical research network in the U.S., supporting more than 50 site-level principal investigators with centralized services and infrastructure to expand patient access to clinical trials and advance the understanding and treatment of vitreoretinal diseases. To learn more, visit: https://www.retinaconsultantsofamerica.com/