UPMC Vision Institute Hosts First Ophthalmology Genetic Counseling Conference

The UPMC Vision Institute hosted its first-ever ophthalmology genetic counseling conference, Genetic Counselors – Broadening Research, Insights, and Discussion of Genetic Eye Diseases (GC-BRIDGED), on Oct. 2 – 3, 2025. The event welcomed more than 80 participants from 15 states at the Vision Institute’s headquarters at UPMC Mercy Pavilion in Uptown Pittsburgh, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in May 2023.

Genetic counselors play a crucial role for patients with inherited vision conditions, such as retinal dystrophies, anterior segment developmental disorders, corneal disorders, nystagmus, optic atrophy, and albinism among many others. Working in collaboration with optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists, genetic counselors assess medical and family histories, coordinate and interpret genetic testing, and provide education and psychosocial support. These responsibilities help patients and families make informed health care decisions.

While continuing education is available for genetic counselors across many fields, it’s rare to find a conference specifically focused on one field of study, like ophthalmology, according to the Vision Institute’s genetic counseling team. GC-BRIDGED enabled attendees to explore a host of topics that are specifically relevant to their daily work in ophthalmic genetic counseling and exchange ideas with peers from institutions across the country.

The agenda included presentations on genetic testing, advocacy and accessibility for ocular genetic disorders, multidisciplinary approaches to ocular oncology, gene therapies and clinical trials, and electrophysiology, as well as panel discussions, case reports, and a session where patients and their caregivers discussed their personal experiences.

The next GC-BRIDGED planning committee is hoping to host the conference again in 2027. Learn more about the UPMC Vision Institute here and find more information about our genetic clinics, including our Retinal Dystrophy Clinic and Ocular Genetics Treatment Center.