The Dry Eye Foundation (DEF) is gearing up to launch Dry Eye in DC—two days of advocacy events in Washington, D.C. kicking off in July.
First up: this foundation.
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Poulsbo, Washington, DEF is a nonprofit organization with the goal of improving the quality of life for dry eye disease (DED) patients.
Its origins: The organization was initially launched by co-founder and current President Rebecca Petris 20 years ago as a patient information platform and online forum for the dry eye community.
- Since its establishment, DEF has engaged in a wide range of community service, education, advocacy, and research initiatives (check out its milestones)—and partnered with an extensive network of organizations.
So what are DEF’s priorities, exactly?
Focused on serving patients with ocular surface diseases (OSDs) like DED or ocular surface pain (OSP), its priority is simple: To ensure patients in this community “have the support lifeline they need when they are struggling.”
- “We work hard to meet people where they are and to make sure support is accessible for everyone,” DEF stated.
Alrighty, now to these advocacy events.
In collaboration with the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR), the nonprofit is hosting two days of patient-focused events:
- July 11: Dry Eye Patient Advocacy Day
- Timing: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST
- July 12: Dry Eye Patient Symposium
- Timing: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST
Both days’ events will kick off at the Holiday Inn Washington D.C. Capitol.
Break each day down for me.
We’ll start with the DED Patient Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill on July 11.
What to expect: As DEF’s first-ever national dry eye patient advocacy day, the event gives dry eye community members the opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of DED on patients’ daily lives.
To note: Participants will receive training and coaching ahead of the advocacy day to prepare them for:
- Sharing their story
- Speaking with Congressional representatives
- Advocating for increased research, effective solutions, and expanded treatment access
Check out the agenda for the day, which involves breakfast and lunch, training, meetings with members of Congress on Capitol Hill—as well as attending a DED Congressional Briefing (open to the public).
- To view last year’s Congressional Briefing, click here.
Anything else on the schedule?
Following this advocacy day and briefing, a reception will be hosted in the evening at the Holiday Inn Washington Capitol.
What to expect: Meeting with dry eye patients as well as learning more about OSP and its impact on the dry eye patient community.
- Notably: The event is sponsored by EyeCool Therapeutics, Inc., which is currently developing a novel device-based solution for treating chronic OSP (check out the latest positive clinical findings on it here)
Nice! Next up?
The Dry Eye Patient Symposium on July 12.
What to expect: The day-long event will feature six sessions and an expert panel of ophthalmologists and DED patients sharing their clinical and real-life experiences with OSD.
Let’s take a closer look at these sessions.
Ranging from patient experiences and perspectives to topics such as evidence-based medicines and the current “hot topics” of treatments on the market today, here’s a sneak peek at the headliners:
- Patient Insights from the Dry Eye Journey
- Doctor Perspectives on How To Get Answers
- The Treatment Landscape
- Doctors Discuss Evidence-Based Medicines in Dry Eye
- Patient and Doctor Insights About Appointments and Communication
- Patient Perspectives on Solving Problems and Trying Treatments
Get a full rundown on all six 40-to-60-minute sessions—and their respective panelists.
And as a bonus: A virtual, livestream viewing option will be available.
Speaking of panelists, who are the experts we’ll hear from?
Four eyecare professionals (ophthalmologists and an optometrist included) from around the country, including:
See here for the list of patient panelists (and here for the extensive list of company sponsors).
Sounds like quite the lineup. So how can I register for these events?
Click here to register (or pick and choose) for all Dry Eye in DC events—including the symposium livestream.
- Note: All events except in-person attendance at the symposium are free.
And for accommodations, book your rooms here.