Q&A: Natalie Afshari, MD, FACS - On-label Pediatric IOLs: Turning Advocacy into Access
Authors: Sheryl Stevenson, Natalie Afshari, MD, FACS | Published: July 25th, 2025
In this interview, Natalie Afshari, MD, FACS, discusses how aligning clinical evidence, professional society support, and regulatory engagement can expand on-label access to intraocular lenses (IOLs) for pediatric patients with cataracts. She underscores the role of large-scale real-world data and registries in informing labeling decisions, encouraging industry investment in pediatric studies, and reassuring clinicians about safety and effectiveness.
Dr. Afshari also emphasizes patient-centered outcomes and equitable trial participation, noting that standardized infrastructure and training across centers can reduce start-up time and improve data quality—bringing appropriate IOL options to children more efficiently while maintaining rigorous standards of care.
Audio interview • Press play to listen