“The Gut-Eye Axis"
The Influence of the Gut Microbiome on Eye Health
COPE #103288-SD
Event #132459
Expiration Date: 2/23/2029

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This 1-hour course, led by an integrative optometrist and certified nutrition specialist, examines the gut-eye axis and the increasing evidence connecting the gut microbiome to eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, uveitis, and dry eye disease.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  • Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the gut microbiome’s role in maintaining systemic and ocular health, including the impact of imbalances such as dysbiosis on disease development.• Upon completion, participants will be able to explain the evidence linking the gut microbiome to ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, uveitis, and dry eye disease.• Upon completion, participants will be able to demonstrate practical strategies for educating patients on how nutrition and lifestyle changes can support gut health and improve ocular and systemic well-being.


This presentation was recorded at the Island Eyes Conference in January 2026. The conference received unrestricted educational grant support from Alcon, Sun Pharma, and Tarsus.

Video

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Text material

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Exam

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Certificate

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Get to know our speakers

Mila Ioussifova, OD, CNS, FAAO, FOWNS

Dr. Mila Ioussifova graduated with honors from the New England College of Optometry and completed a residency in community health and ocular disease in Boston, MA. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and serves on the leadership team of its Anterior Segment Section. Dr. Mila has also served as adjunct clinical faculty at Pacific University College of Optometry and as an examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.

She is actively involved in advocacy through her state association and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association. In addition, she is a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist and a Fellow and board member of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society.

Dr. Mila owns a private practice in Portland, OR, with special interests in advanced dry eye treatments, nutritional counseling, and aesthetic services.