Gus Gazzard

About Gus Gazzard

What is the most exciting thing happening in glaucoma right now?

In diagnostics I’m excited by the power that will come from AI-guided OCT structural assessments to rapidly and robustly detect deterioration earlier and more accurately than ever. In therapeutics I’m excited by the move away from the dominance of drug-based intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering with the recognition that non-pharmacological therapies may have even greater advantages than we had realized. In the trials arena, the move to ever more robust detection of visual field progression is bringing us access to field-based primary outcome measures in trials that are shorter, more affordable and with more meaningful end-points.

Make a bold prediction for the future of glaucoma treatment.

I think we shall see proven, non-IOP-related neuro-protective therapies in widespread use within five years and neuro-regenerative strategies within a decade.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

As a researcher I’d say, “Focus on making randomized controlled trials (RCTs) quicker, cheaper and more accessible – the need has never been greater (with the blossoming of treatment options) but the barriers to RCTs have never been greater (both regulatory and cost).” As a clinician I’d say, “Never lose sight of the patient, however bright and shiny those new toys may be!”