Uveitis Revolution, with Andrew Dick

Thirty years ago children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) were at high risk of not only crippling physical disability, but also visual loss secondary to cataract, glaucoma and macular oedema caused by their chronic uveitis, or the steroids we used to treat it. Now, thanks to the development of targeted biological therapies, by clinical scientists like Andrew Dick, these children are living normal active lives and their risk of sight loss has been dramatically reduced.In this episode of Eyes on Tomorrow we talk to Andrew about his career-long interest in immunology and inflammatory eye disease and the impact of translational research which has led to a better understanding of cytokine inflammatory pathways in uveitis, the subsequent development of TNF inhibitors and finally landmark trials, like the Sycamore Trial.Andrew stresses the critical importance of working closely with paediatric rheumatologists and of involving patients, no matter how young, in the management of their disease.He has pioneered a “zero-tolerance” approach for the long-term use of topical and systemic steroids, in patients with uveitis, facilitated by the use of biological agents and this has dramatically improved the visual prognosis for patients with uveitis.We also touch upon his clinical approach to new cases of uveitis, his tips for optometrists when confronted by a patient with uveitis and what his passions are away from work.Subscribers to the podcast will have access to the Bonus video episode in which Andrew discusses promising new uveitis treatments, the challenges of managing patients with Gene Therapy Associated Uveitis, his advice to potential budding clinical scientists and his thoughts on leadership.All in all a fantastic listen for anyone who wants to learn more about inflammatory eye disease.Subscribe at eyesontomorrow.substack.com/subscribeProduced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eyesontomorrow.substack.com/subscribe

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