Imaging and differential diagnosis of geographic atrophy

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify hallmark clinical symptoms and findings that suggest geographic atrophy (GA) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
2. Assess a patient at risk of GA with different imaging modalities.
3. Explain the role, advantages, and limitations of various imaging modalities in the assessment and monitoring of GA.
4. Discuss the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of AMD through advanced imaging analysis.
5. Differentiate GA from mimicking macular disorders (e.g., Best’s, Stargardt’s, CSCR/pachychoroid, pattern dystrophies, neovascular AMD).

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Scientific Planning Committee and Conflicts of Interest Disclosure

Dr. Bernard Hurley, MD, FRCSC	Chair of Scientific Planning Committee, Author I have a relationship with a for-profit and/or not-for-profit to disclose: Direct financial payments including receipt of honoraria: Allergan, Novartis, Alcon, Bayer, Roche, Biogen Membership on advisory boards or speakers’ bureaus: Teva, Apellis, Biogen, Roche, Bayer, Novartis
Dr. Jesia Hasan	Member of Scientific Planning Committee, Author I have a relationship with a for-profit and/or not-for-profit to disclose: Membership on advisory boards or speakers’ bureau: AbbVie, Astellas, Apotex, Apellis, Bayer, Biogen, Roche, Novartis
Dr. Amin Kherani, MD, FRCSC	Member of Scientific Planning Committee, Author I have a relationship with a for-profit and/or not-for-profit to disclose: Direct financial payments including receipt of honoraria: AbbVie, Alcon, Bayer, Bausch + Lomb, Novartis, Allergan, Roche and Appellis Funded grants or clinical trials: Bayer, Novartis, Roche/Genentech, Allergan/AbbVie, Chengdu Kanghong Biotechnology, Ophthotech, Regeneron, Regenexbio, Iveris Bio Inc, Ophthea, Alexion All other investments or relationships that could be seen by a reasonable, well-informed participant as having the potential to influence the content of the educational activity: MD Collaborate
Dr. Deepa Yoganathan	Member of Scientific Planning Committee, Author I have a relationship with a for-profit and/or not-for-profit to disclose: Direct financial payments including receipt of honoraria: Amgen, Astellas, Bayer, Biogen, Roche, Sentrex Membership on advisory boards or speakers’ bureau: Amgen, Astellas, Bayer, Biogen, Roche Funded grants or clinical trials: Roche, ANI

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Disclosure

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology was utilized to generate some images contained within this educational module. These images are provided solely for illustrative and educational purposes. They do not depict actual patients or clinical findings and should not be interpreted as a substitute for clinical judgment or real-world diagnostic imaging.

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Accreditation

This module is an Accredited Self-Assessment Activity (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and approved by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). You may claim a maximum of 1.5 HOURS (credits are automatically calculated).

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Acknowledgement of Support

This educational activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Apellis and Astellas.