title: Current landscape of direct-to-consumer genetic testing and its role in ophthalmology: a review.
abstract: The sequencing of the human genome has seen the emergence of the direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic-testing market, which allows individuals to obtain information about their genetic profile and its many health and lifestyle implications. Genetics play an important role in the development of many eye diseases, however, little information is available describing the influence of the DTC industry in ophthalmology. In this review, we examined DTC companies providing genetic test products for eye disease. Of all eye conditions, the majority of DTC companies provided susceptibility testing or risk assessment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). For the 15 companies noted to offer products, we found considerable variation in the cost, scope and clarity of informational content of DTC genetic testing for ophthalmic conditions. The clinical utility of these tests remains in question, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommendations against routine testing for many conditions probably still apply.
authors: Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors: Paul G
authors: PG
authors: Sanfilippo
authors: Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors: Lisa S
authors: LS
authors: Kearns
authors: Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.|School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
authors: Philip
authors: P
authors: Wright
authors: Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.|School of Medicine, Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
authors: David A
authors: DA
authors: Mackey
authors: Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.|Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.|School of Medicine, Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
authors: Alex W
authors: AW
authors: Hewitt
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research; D000067108:Direct-To-Consumer Screening and Testing / Q000941:ethics / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D015785:Eye Diseases, Hereditary; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D009885:Ophthalmology
keywords: DTC; direct-to-consumer; eye disease; genetic testing; ophthalmology