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CE/CME accredited

Stargardt disease: Improving awareness, diagnosis and patient support

Topics Covered:
Macular Degeneration Paediatric Ophthalmology
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Tutorial

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Poll

How confident are you in recognizing clinical cases of Stargardt disease?

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Tutorial

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Poll

Which of the following imaging tools do you use most frequently in clinical practice to facilitate diagnoses of Stargardt disease?

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Electroretinogram
   
Fundus autofluorescence
   
Optical coherence tomography
   
Fluorescein angiography
   

Tutorial

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Poll

What type of support do your patients with Stargardt disease typically value the most?

Submit your answer to see the results and continue the video
Access to low vision specialists and assistive technology
   
Education about disease prognosis and expectations
   
Connection to patient support groups
   
Regular vision assessments to monitor progression
   
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Interview Questions
About Prof. Elias Traboulsi

In this interview, Prof. Elias Traboulsi answers the following questions:

  1. What are the characteristics and pathophysiology of Stargardt disease?
  2. What is the clinical index of suspicion for Stargardt disease?
  3. Why does Stargardt disease remain underrecognized in clinical practice?
  4. What is the impact of Stargardt disease on daily life and in the long term?

Prof. Elias I. Traboulsi is the head of the Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and the director of the Center for Genetic Eye Diseases at The Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. He is professor of ophthalmology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case University and serves as vice chairman for education at the Cole Eye Institute.

read more

Prof. Traboulsi is the executive vice president and past president of The International Society for Genetic Eye Diseases and Retinoblastoma. He served as editor-in-chief of Ophthalmic Genetics from 1992 to 2023. He has also served on the editorial boards of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, the Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, and the Journal of Academic Ophthalmology. Prof. Traboulsi has authored more than 450 scientific articles and book chapters. His book Genetic Diseases of the Eye, first published by Oxford University Press in 1998, is one of the major references on this topic and its third edition appears in 2025. He edited a major textbook in paediatric ophthalmology published by Springer in 2016.

Prof. Taboulsi has given more than 20 named lectures and has visited and taught at numerous academic institutions around the world. He received the Master Educator Award and the Education Mentorship Ward at the Cleveland Clinic as well as the Courage to Lead and John Gienapp Awards from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. He also holds a master’s degree in Health Education.


Prof. Elias Traboulsi discloses: Consultancy fees from Alkeus Pharmaceuticals and SparingVision.

Interview Questions
About Prof. Elias Traboulsi

In this interview, Prof. Elias Traboulsi answers the following questions:

  1. What are the key challenges to achieving a prompt and accurate diagnosis of Stargardt disease?
  2. How can retinal imaging help distinguish Stargardt disease from other macular and retinal disorders?
  3. When and why should we consider genetic testing when Stargardt disease is suspected?
  4. How can we improve accuracy and timescales when diagnosing Stargardt disease?

Prof. Elias I. Traboulsi is the head of the Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and the director of the Center for Genetic Eye Diseases at The Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. He is professor of ophthalmology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case University and serves as vice chairman for education at the Cole Eye Institute.

read more

Prof. Traboulsi is the executive vice president and past president of The International Society for Genetic Eye Diseases and Retinoblastoma. He served as editor-in-chief of Ophthalmic Genetics from 1992 to 2023. He has also served on the editorial boards of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, the Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, and the Journal of Academic Ophthalmology. Prof. Traboulsi has authored more than 450 scientific articles and book chapters. His book Genetic Diseases of the Eye, first published by Oxford University Press in 1998, is one of the major references on this topic and its third edition appears in 2025. He edited a major textbook in paediatric ophthalmology published by Springer in 2016.

Prof. Taboulsi has given more than 20 named lectures and has visited and taught at numerous academic institutions around the world. He received the Master Educator Award and the Education Mentorship Ward at the Cleveland Clinic as well as the Courage to Lead and John Gienapp Awards from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. He also holds a master’s degree in Health Education.


Prof. Elias Traboulsi discloses: Consultancy fees from Alkeus Pharmaceuticals and SparingVision.

Interview Questions
About Prof. Elias Traboulsi

In this interview, Prof. Elias Traboulsi answers the following questions:

  1. How can we maximize functional vision in our patients with Stargardt disease?
  2. How can HCPs tailor support strategies to best meet the evolving needs of patients with Stargardt disease?
  3. How can HCPs effectively counsel patients and families to support long-term adaptation to vision loss?
  4. What’s on the horizon to improve outcomes for patients with Stargardt disease?

Prof. Elias I. Traboulsi is the head of the Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and the director of the Center for Genetic Eye Diseases at The Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. He is professor of ophthalmology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case University and serves as vice chairman for education at the Cole Eye Institute.

read more

Prof. Traboulsi is the executive vice president and past president of The International Society for Genetic Eye Diseases and Retinoblastoma. He served as editor-in-chief of Ophthalmic Genetics from 1992 to 2023. He has also served on the editorial boards of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, the Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, and the Journal of Academic Ophthalmology. Prof. Traboulsi has authored more than 450 scientific articles and book chapters. His book Genetic Diseases of the Eye, first published by Oxford University Press in 1998, is one of the major references on this topic and its third edition appears in 2025. He edited a major textbook in paediatric ophthalmology published by Springer in 2016.

Prof. Taboulsi has given more than 20 named lectures and has visited and taught at numerous academic institutions around the world. He received the Master Educator Award and the Education Mentorship Ward at the Cleveland Clinic as well as the Courage to Lead and John Gienapp Awards from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. He also holds a master’s degree in Health Education.


Prof. Elias Traboulsi discloses: Consultancy fees from Alkeus Pharmaceuticals and SparingVision.

Expert Interviews

Recognizing Stargardt disease: What every clinician should know

Duration: 11:09

Applying differential diagnosis: Distinguishing Stargardt disease from other retinal disorders

Duration: 9:14

Enhancing patient outcomes: Support strategies for patients and families affected by Stargardt disease

Duration: 11:23

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Associated slides for this activity are available under the Downloads tab.
A practice aid for this activity is available under the Downloads tab.

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touchEXPERT FOCUS

Stargardt disease: Improving awareness, diagnosis and patient support

0.75 CE/CME credit

Question 1 of 5

Which of the following is a common feature associated with Stargardt disease?

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Stargardt disease is the most prevalent inherited macular dystrophy,1 and commonly presents as progressive bilateral central vision loss.1,2 Central scotoma may also occur.2

References

  1. Fujinami K, et al. Br J Ophthalmol. 2024;108:495–505.
  2. Tanna P, et al. Br J Ophthalmol. 2017;101:25–30.
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Stargardt disease: Improving awareness, diagnosis and patient support

0.75 CE/CME credit

Question 2 of 5

Which of the following retinal imaging results supports a diagnosis of Stargardt disease?

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The classic fundus appearance of eyes with Stargardt disease is juvenile-onset foveal atrophy with a beaten-bronze appearance and surrounding distinct yellow–white flecks. These flecks are round or pisciform at the level of the RPE.1,2

Abbreviation
RPE, retinal pigment epithelium.

References

  1. Mukherjee N, et al. Available from: http://bit.ly/4mIJn9P (accessed 12 August 2025).
  2. Fujinami K, et al. Br J Ophthalmol. 2024;108:495–505.
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touchEXPERT FOCUS

Stargardt disease: Improving awareness, diagnosis and patient support

0.75 CE/CME credit

Question 3 of 5

Your 16-year-old patient presents with progressive bilateral loss of central vision. The patient’s history and clinical examination leads you to suspect Stargardt disease. Assuming all tools are available, what imaging test would you advise for this patient to facilitate diagnosis?

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Select an Answer

Fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography are non-invasive tests that provide morphologic information,1 and can help diagnose and characterize Stargardt disease.2

References

  1. Gomes NL, et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2009;50:3953–9.
  2. Mukherjee N, et al. 2014. Available from: http://bit.ly/4mIJn9P (accessed 12 August 2025).
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touchEXPERT FOCUS

Stargardt disease: Improving awareness, diagnosis and patient support

0.75 CE/CME credit

Question 4 of 5

Your 18-year-old patient with Stargardt disease expresses anxiety about their progressive vision loss and its potential impact on their daily life. What would you do next in the management of this patient to support their functional wellbeing?

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Due to the progressive nature of the disease, patients with Stargardt disease often benefit from various resources to maximize their functional vision and enhance their remaining sight.1 It is important to involve a low-vision specialist and connect patients with supportive services for home modifications, occupational therapy and mobility training as needed.1 Regular assessment of functional vision is advisable for optimal support.2

References

  1. Giacalone JC, et al. Retinal Physician. 2024;21:8–12.
  2. Stargardt’s Connected. Available at: https://bit.ly/46SctPp (accessed 12 August 2025).
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Stargardt disease: Improving awareness, diagnosis and patient support

0.75 CE/CME credit

Question 5 of 5

Which of the following reflects the most appropriate strategy for supporting paediatric patients with Stargardt disease and their families?

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Effective management of IRDs, such as Stargardt disease, requires close collaboration between members of the MDT or interdisciplinary team. The interdisciplinary team may include paediatricians, optometrists and ophthalmologists, low vision specialists, educators, child neuropsychiatrists and psychologists. Psychological support for patients and caregivers is an essential part of the multidisciplinary approach to managing IRDs. Rehabilitation should also be individualized and based on visual and developmental profiles.

Abbreviations
IRD, inherited retinal dystrophy; MDT, multidisciplinary team.

Reference
Murro V, et al. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2023;18:223.

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Expert Interviews

Recognizing Stargardt disease: What every clinician should know

Duration: 11:09

Applying differential diagnosis: Distinguishing Stargardt disease from other retinal disorders

Duration: 9:14

Enhancing patient outcomes: Support strategies for patients and families affected by Stargardt disease

Duration: 11:23

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Learning Objectives

After watching this activity, participants should be better able to:

  • Recognize the clinical signs and symptoms of Stargardt disease and the impact of the disease on patients
  • Apply genetic testing and other diagnostic strategies to accurately and promptly differentiate Stargardt disease from other retinal disorders
  • Practise optimized management strategies for patients with Stargardt disease, including counselling and supportive care to enhance patient outcomes, facilitate informed decision-making and support long-term disease management

Overview

In this activity, Prof. Elias Traboulsi, a leading expert in genetic retinal disorders, explores the clinical presentation of Stargardt disease, reviews key diagnostic tools, and discusses management strategies to best support patients and families in the long-term.

This activity is jointly provided by USF Health and touchIME.

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Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of retina specialists, genetic counsellors and ophthalmologists involved in the management of Stargardt disease.

USF Accreditation

Disclosures

USF Health adheres to the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. All individuals in a position to influence content have disclosed to USF Health any financial relationship with an ineligible organization. USF Health has reviewed and mitigated all relevant financial relationships related to the content of the activity. The relevant relationships are listed below. All individuals not listed have no relevant financial relationships.

Faculty

Prof. Elias Traboulsi discloses: Consultancy fees from Alkeus Pharmaceuticals and SparingVision.

Content reviewer

Danielle Walker, DNP, APRN, AGNP-C, has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

touchIME Medical Contributor

Katrina Lester has no financial interests/relationships or affiliations in relation to this activity.

USF Health Office of Continuing Professional Development and touchIME staff have no financial interests/relationships or affiliations in relation to this activity.

Requirements for Successful Completion

In order to receive credit for this activity, participants must review the content and complete the post-test and evaluation form. Statements of credit are awarded upon successful completion of the post-test and evaluation form.

If you have questions regarding credit please contact cpdsupport@usf.edu 

Accreditations

Physicians

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through a joint providership of USF Health and touchIME. USF Health is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

USF Health designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Advanced Practice Providers

Physician Assistants may claim a maximum of 0.75 Category 1 credits for completing this activity. NCCPA accepts AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society.

The AANPCP accepts certificates of participation for educational activities approved for AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM by ACCME-accredited providers. APRNs who participate will receive a certificate of completion commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Date of original release: 4 September 2025. Date credits expire: 4 September 2026.

If you have any questions regarding credit, please contact cpdsupport@usf.edu

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Expert Interviews

Recognizing Stargardt disease: What every clinician should know

Duration: 11:09

Applying differential diagnosis: Distinguishing Stargardt disease from other retinal disorders

Duration: 9:14

Enhancing patient outcomes: Support strategies for patients and families affected by Stargardt disease

Duration: 11:23

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This activity is provided by an independent medical education grant from Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The activity is jointly provided by USF Health and touchIME.

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This activity is provided by an independent medical education grant from Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The activity is jointly provided by USF Health and touchIME.

The information provided by this CME activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

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Date of original release: 4 September 2025. Date credits expire: 4 September 2026.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits ™ expire: 4 September 2026

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