Thank you for being part of the Preservative Freedom community and pledging your support for lifelong ocular health.
In this edition
PFC Glaucoma Patient Experience survey results reveal the urgent need for better patient-physician communication
What our Coalition members are saying about preservative-free eye care (including useful resources)
Preservative Freedom in the news
Preservative Freedom events – come see us!
Founding Member Spotlight: Dr. Monique Barbour
PFC Survey reveals need for better dialogue around preservatives
The PFC conducted a survey of adults 18+ living with glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT) in the US to better understand their experience, treatment histories, and awareness of the availability and benefits of PF treatments. The results, released during World Glaucoma Week in March, highlight the need for improved dialogue between physicians and patients around preservatives.
"Our survey highlights the vital role of communication in eye care. With over 60% unaware of PF options and many reporting symptoms from preservative use, it’s imperative that we, as eye care professionals, take the lead in educating our patients about these treatment options,” said ophthalmologist Monique Barbour, MD MHA, Ophthalmologist, Medical Director and CEO of Clear Vue Eye Care and Surgery Center, and founding member of the PFC. “Encouraging open conversations can help eyecare professionals (or ECPs) to deliver comprehensive patient care to address the needs of that patient specifically."
Learn more about the results on our website.
What our Coalition members are saying
Our Coalition members share their thoughts and advice when it comes to preservatives and PF eye care.
Long-term use of eye drops is often the reality for patients with glaucoma. Hear from Elena Sturman on why it’s important for people with glaucoma to understand more about preservatives in their drops. Learn more.
Not all patients talk about the challenges they face with drops. Dr. Monique Barbour explains why it’s so important to understand a patient’s experience. Learn more.
Unsure how to start a dialogue on preservatives? Hear from Dr. Jerry Robben who shares how and when he speaks with his patients about PF options. Learn more.
Treatment decisions need to support and fit into a patient’s needs. Hear from Dr. Lang who shares his approach to treatment decisions with patients. Learn more.
Patient-Physician Discussion Guide: Download now
Patient Information on Preservatives: Download now
Preservative Freedom in the news!
The March 2025 issue of Glaucoma Physician highlights the PFC for advocating the use of PF glaucoma drops to help manage the ocular health of her glaucoma patients. Featuring Dr. Monique M. Barbour and Elena Sturman of the Glaucoma Foundation, the article underscores the Coalition’s mission to educate and push for wider access to PF treatments. Read and share.
Check out some of the media coverage around our recent survey announcement:
Ophthalmology Times: Survey reveals gaps in patient awareness of preservative-free glaucoma treatments
Optometry Times: New patient survey unveils dissatisfaction with glaucoma treatment
EyeWorld: Survey reveals perspectives of patients with glaucoma
Ophthalmology Breaking News: Study Reveals Most Glaucoma Patients Unaware of Preservative-Free Treatment Options
Preservative Freedom events - Come and see us!
Are you going to the National Medical Association Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly in Chicago, July 19-23? PFC will be there on July 18-19, we’d love to see you there!
Coalition Founding Member Spotlight: Dr. Monique Barbour
Monique Barbour, MD MHA, Ophthalmologist, Medical Director and CEO of Clear Vue Eye Care and Surgery Center
Dr. Monique M. Barbour is a board-certified ophthalmologist with more than 20 years of clinical experience and a strong background in academic medicine and healthcare leadership. She is the medical director of Clear Vue Eye Center in Lake Worth, Florida, and founder of The Smiles and Vision Foundation, addressing healthcare disparities. A graduate of Howard University College of Medicine, she completed her ophthalmology training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a glaucoma fellowship at Georgetown. Dr. Barbour actively serves in national medical organizations, holds multiple leadership roles, and is recognized for her contributions to education, diversity, and humanitarian outreach.
Read on to learn more about Dr. Barbour’s advice and thoughts around PF and the need for increased dialogue:
Q: Based on the low levels of awareness uncovered in our survey around preservative-free, how can eye care professionals support greater awareness?
A: Eye care professionals can support greater awareness of preservative-free options by educating patients during visits about the potential side effects of preservatives, clearly specifying 'preservative-free' when prescribing or recommending treatments, and providing accessible educational materials. It’s also important to advocate through professional networks, collaborate with pharmacists and industry partners, and empower patients to take an active role in their eye care by reading labels and reporting symptoms.
Q: How do you talk about preservative-free benefits with patients?
A: When discussing preservative-free benefits with patients, I explain that while preservatives help keep drops sterile, with long-term use, they can cause irritation or dryness. I relate this to their own experiences—like stinging or burning—and introduce preservative-free drops as a potentially gentle, comfortable option, especially for those with dry or sensitive eyes. I highlight potential benefits like reduced irritation and lower risk of inflammation and involve them in the decision by recommending a treatment based on their needs.
Q: What could a preservative-free future in eye care mean for patients?
A: Moving toward a preservative-free standard is a shift toward more patient-centered, sustainable, and humane eye care. There would be a reduced risk of dry eye disease, irritation, and inflammation, especially in patients requiring long-term treatment, such as in glaucoma and allergies.
Q: Why did you join the Preservative Freedom Coalition?
A: I joined the Preservative Freedom Coalition because I believe our patients deserve safer, gentler, and more compassionate eye care. As an eye surgeon, I’ve seen firsthand how preservatives can silently contribute to discomfort, ocular surface disease, and reduced treatment adherence. Joining this Coalition allows me to advocate for a future where preserving sight doesn’t come at the cost of ocular health. It's about elevating the standard of care, empowering informed choices, and standing with a community committed to innovation and patient well-being.
About Preservative Freedom
The Preservative Freedom campaign is led by a Coalition of leaders in eye health and care in the United States. The founding members of the coalition include Dry Eye University, The Glaucoma Foundation, Intrepid Eye Society, the National Medical Association of Ophthalmology Section, Real World Ophthalmology, and Thea Pharma Inc. Together, the group focuses on raising awareness of unmet needs in ocular surface disease and opportunities to pursue preservative-free topical ophthalmic medications.
Our mission is to bring the importance of preservative-free treatments into focus and encourage patient-centered discussion that inspires a change in habits that prioritizes future eye health.
Learn more at preservativefreedom.com
If you or your organization would like to get involved in Preservative Freedom, please contact the secretariat at secretariat@preservativefreedom.com.
PRC-EN-2525-v1 06.2025