Amplifying the Voices of Diabetic Retinal Disease Patients & Caregivers: Join MTM Vision’s Virtual Externally Led Patient-Focused Drug Development Meeting
When it comes to the future of Diabetic Retinal Disease (DRD) treatments, patients and caregivers will now have a direct seat at the table. The Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative (MTM Vision) invites all those impacted by DRD to participate in a virtual Externally Led Patient-Focused Drug Development (EL-PFDD) Meeting on February 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.
As part of the Patient-Focused Drug Development initiative, developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), EL-PFDD meetings aim to ensure that patients’ experiences, perspectives, needs, and priorities are captured and meaningfully integrated into drug development and regulatory decision-making.
“For the first time, the lived experiences of patients and caregivers affected by Diabetic Retinal Disease will help guide innovation and advance care. This is more than just a meeting—it’s a landmark moment for the DRD community to be heard by those who can inspire true change,” said Dr. Latrice Faulkner, Administrative Manager of MTM Vision. “We welcome everyone impacted by diabetic eye disease to join us and make their voices count.”
During this pivotal meeting, patients, families and caregivers affected by DRD will have the opportunity to speak directly to representatives from the FDA, product developers, practicing clinicians, and researchers. Participants will share how DRD impacts daily life and treatment journeys through several avenues:
- Recorded videos and testimonials highlighting lived experiences
- Live “discussion starter” sessions featuring patients and caregivers
- Interactive participation, including live call-ins, comment submissions, and polling
Additionally, to provide the public with more information about the DRD EL-PFDD meeting and answer any questions, MTM Vision will be hosting a virtual community webinar on January 14th, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET (Register Here). All are welcome to attend and learn how to get involved.The portal for written comment submissions for the DRD EL-PFDD meeting opens on January 1st, 2026, and will remain available for 30 days following the meeting. All perspectives—shared before, during, and after the meeting—will be incorporated into a Voice of the Patient Report. This report will be made publicly available on the MTM Vision website and shared with the FDA, serving as a valuable resource for future regulatory and drug development decisions focused on DRD.
The meeting will also feature insights from leading experts in DRD:
- Dr. Jennifer Sun MD, MPH from Harvard Medical School will provide a comprehensive clinical overview of DRD.
- Dr. Thomas Gardener, MD, MS from The University of Michigan will discuss the current treatment landscape and emerging therapies for DRD.
- Dr. William Boyd, MD, Director of the FDA’s CDER Division of Ophthalmology, will offer opening remarks.
Free registration for the DRD EL-PFDD meeting is now open (Register Here). To receive updates and event details, visit www.marytylermoore.org/el-pfdd or join the MTM Vision mailing list.
For questions, please contact MTMVisionDRD-PFDDinfo@umich.edu.
About the Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative
Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative (MTM Vision) advances research to preserve and restore vision in people with diabetes. Our mission is to accelerate new methods for preventing and treating vision loss, so everyone with diabetes can live joyfully and independently—free from the fear of blindness. We catalyze progress by partnering globally and providing thought leadership and research resources.
