TED Briefing Highlights Patient Impact

Alliance for Vision Research convened a Congressional Briefing on Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), bringing together clinical expertise and patient advocacy to highlight the significant impact of this condition on individuals during their prime working years.

The program featured Prem Subramanian, MD, PhD, Chief of Neuro-Ophthalmology at University of Colorado Medicine, who provided an in-depth overview of TED, including its clinical presentation, progression, and the latest approaches to treatment. His remarks emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and continued research to improve outcomes for patients living with this complex condition.

The briefing also included powerful insights from Julie Owens, MS Ed, BCPA, a board-certified patient advocate, who shared perspectives on navigating care and the real-world challenges faced by individuals living with TED. Her remarks underscored how the disease affects not only vision, but also quality of life, mental health, and the ability to work and function day to day.

TED most often affects adults in their working years—making its impact on productivity, independence, and overall well-being especially profound. The discussion reinforced the urgent need for continued awareness, improved access to care, and sustained investment in research to better understand and treat the disease.

The briefing took place on February 9 in Rayburn House Office Building Room 2168 and brought together policymakers, advocates, and stakeholders committed to advancing care for those affected by TED.

Sincere gratitude to our sponsors for their support in making this important conversation possible. Click on the image to watch the full replay of the Congressional Briefing.