Susan Cotter, OD, MA, FAAO, professor at the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B Ketchum University, a distinguished pediatric optometrist, was honored as the 2024 UAB School of Optometry’s Springer lecturer. A clinician-scientist, her presentation highlighted the advancements in amblyopia treatment, a vision disorder Cotter is passionate about.

She is the past co-chair of the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG), an NIH/NEI-funded clinical research network of pediatric optometrists and ophthalmologists who perform randomized clinical trials related to pediatric eye disorders. She has also served in leadership positions for the following NEI-funded studies: Multi-Ethnic Pediatric Eye Disease Study (MEPEDS), Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Refractive Error (CLEERE), Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial (CITT), and CITT-Attention & Reading Trial (CITT-ART).

Cotter is the immediate past president of the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate in Pediatric Optometry, Binocular Vision, and Perception. She is a member of the Scientific Bureau of the World Society of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (WSPOS) and was the co-chair of the Public Health & Disparities Research Panel for the NEI’s recent Strategic Plan for the Future. She is a recipient of the Academy’s Glenn A. Fry Lecture Award as well.

During her presentation, Cotter delved into the topic of amblyopia, a condition she has dedicated much of her career to treating. “Clinically, amblyopia is near and dear to my heart,” she said. “There is nothing better than making the blind man see.”

Cotter has been involved in more than 25 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating amblyopia treatments, underscoring her expertise and commitment to advancing care for this common vision disorder.

The presentation covered the evolution of amblyopia treatments, noting significant changes such as reduced hours of patching, the sequential use of refractive correction and patching, and the introduction of atropine as an alternative to patching. Cotter also highlighted emerging treatments, including binocular therapy and potential therapeutics.

Key takeaways from the presentation included the importance of evidence-based treatments for amblyopia, the effectiveness of refractive correction as a treatment modality, and the need for personalized treatment plans for each child. Despite advancements, Cotter acknowledged that many children still experience residual amblyopia, a challenge that continues to drive research in the field.

For the students at UAB optometry, Cotter emphasized that treating amblyopia is within their reach, even if they do not specialize in pediatric optometry. She also noted that amblyopia can be successfully treated in older children, a crucial point for future practitioners.

In addition to the Springer lecture honor, Cotter was honored to visit where two of her former students are now faculty members and pediatric optometrists. “It feels incredibly special to be here, especially knowing that two of my favorite pediatric optometrists, Kathy Weise and Kristine Hopkins, are now faculty members,” she said.

Kathy Weise, OD, MBA, worked as a work-study student under Cotter at the Illinois College of Optometry from 1993 to 1995. She now co-chairs the NEI-funded Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG), a network of over 400 pediatric ophthalmologists and optometrists. Cotter collaborates with Weise within this network, marking a full-circle moment in their professional relationship.

Kristine Hopkins, OD, MPH, another former student, was the first Pediatric Optometry & Vision Therapy resident under Cotter at the Southern California College of Optometry in 1997. Hopkins has made significant contributions to the field, establishing the Vision Therapy Department at UABSO and serving as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

The event was a testament to the enduring impact of mentorship and the continuous pursuit of knowledge in the field of optometry. As Cotter concluded her presentation, she reflected on the privilege of sharing her expertise with the next generation of optometrists, knowing that UAB optometry students are learning from some of the best in the field, including Weise and Hopkins.