EyePod

Eichenbaum Acorns is an editorially independent series powered by Modern Retina and hosted by David A. Eichenbaum, MD, FASRS, partner and director of research at Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida. This podcast series explores the overlooked corners of the retina profession through candid conversations with thought leaders. Eichenbaum is the Yiddish translation for acorn tree, and the aim of this series is to plant acorns of insight that grow into oaks of understanding.In this special cross-brand episode with Optometry Times, Eichenbaum speaks with Jeffry D. Gerson, OD, FAAO, about career development, mentorship, and collaboration between optometry and ophthalmology in retinal care. Gerson practices in a collaborative OD-MD setting at Grin Eye Care in Olathe and Leawood, Kansas, where his work includes primary care as well as secondary care with an emphasis on retinal disease.

In this podcast, eye care expert Uday Devgan, MD, FACS, FRCS, reviews premium intraocular lens (IOL) options, including presbyopia-correcting IOLs and toric IOLs for patients with astigmatism.

In this podcast, Philadelphia cornea and glaucoma surgeon Brian Shafer, MD, discusses the procedures and processes involved in interventional glaucoma, which offers earlier options such as laser, drug-releasing implants, MIGS, and MIBS, with less reliance on topical medications in appropriate patients.

In this latest episode of the Ophthalmology Times® “Beyond The Walls” podcast, host Deborah Ristvedt, DO, of Vance Thompson Vision, sits down with William B. Trattler, MD, to explore the experiences, influences, and philosophies that have shaped his career in ophthalmology. The discussion covers early inspirations, approaches to teaching, mentorship initiatives, clinical collaboration, and the evolving role of technology in patient care.Trattler traces his introduction to medicine to his father, an ophthalmologist, whom he describes as “just such an incredible role model.” During medical school, Trattler coauthored Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple, motivated by a desire to simplify complex material. “We should just make it ridiculously simple,” he explains, highlighting his use of visual aids and associations to enhance learning. This philosophy carries into his clinical practice, where he emphasizes simplifying the interpretation of diagnostic tools by distinguishing “what’s normal, versus abnormal,” while recognizing the variability in findings and the importance of repetition and experience.Mentorship is a central theme, reflected in Trattler’s development of the Rising Stars in Ophthalmology program. The conversation also includes reflections on balancing professional and personal life, ongoing practice growth, generational transitions, and the future of ophthalmology.

IOLs: What Every Surgeon Needs to Know is an editorially independent video and podcast series from Ophthalmology Times, hosted by Douglas D. Koch, MD, Professor and Allen, Mosbacher, and Law Chair in Ophthalmology at the Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. In each episode, Koch will be joined by different expert guests to discuss cutting-edge advancements in intraocular lens (IOL) technology and cataract surgery. In this inaugural episode, Koch is joined by Liliana Werner, MD, PhD, Benning Presidential Endowed Chair and co-director of the Intermountain Ocular Research Center at the Moran A. Eye Center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, to explore IOL biomaterials.🎧 Listen as Douglas D. Koch, MD, and Liliana Werner, MD, PhD, discuss IOL biomaterials and emerging lens technologies.

In this podcast, experts Charles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD, FASRS; Jed H. Assam, MD, MS; Diana V. Do, MD; and Dante Pieramici, MD, FASRS; discuss the diagnosis, clinical features, and evolving management strategies for patients diagnosed with macular telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2.

Eichenbaum Acorns is an editorially independent series powered by Modern Retina and hosted by David A. Eichenbaum, MD, FASRS, partner and director of research at Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida. This Q&A-style article and podcast series explores the overlooked corners of the retina specialist profession through candid conversations with thought leaders. Eichenbaum is the German translation for acorn tree, and the aim of this series is to plant acorns of insight that grow into oaks of understanding.In this installment, Eichenbaum talks with Jayanth Sridhar, MD, who saw an opportunity to bring retina education into the daily commute of ophthalmologists. What started as a simple idea during a long drive grew into Sridhar’s Straight From the Cutter’s Mouth: A Retina Podcast. Sridhar explains how the podcast began, the early challenges he faced, and what he learned along the way.Sridhar is associate professor of clinical ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, in Miami, Florida, and serves as chief of ophthalmology for the Olive View Medical Center, part of Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, in Los Angeles, California.

In this podcast, expert Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO, discusses the burden, diagnosis, and management of Demodex blepharitis, highlighting a recently approved targeted treatment option.

Joel Schuman, MD, of Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, sits down with Sheryl Stevenson, executive editor of the Eye Care Network, for a discussion about emerging technologies that may influence glaucoma care as clinicians look toward 2026.Schuman highlights artificial intelligence for imaging and risk prediction, noting that “the performance really rivals expert readers and the regulatory pathways are clear.” He also reviews remote monitoring, sustained-release drug delivery, and procedural innovations such as direct selective laser trabeculoplasty. Addressing adoption challenges, Schuman outlines evidence, workflow, economics, and interoperability as key factors, noting that “The winners don’t have to be the flashiest tools in 2026. They’ll be the ones that make a busy clinic run better.”

Eichenbaum Acorns is an editorially independent series powered by Modern Retina® and hosted by David A. Eichenbaum, MD, FASRS, partner and director of research at Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida in Tampa. This Q&A-style article and podcast series explore the overlooked corners of the retina specialist profession through candid conversations with thought leaders. Eichenbaum is the German translation for oak tree, and the aim of this series is to plant acorns of insight that grow into oaks of understanding.In this installment, Eichenbaum chats with Jordan M. Graff, MD, FACS, of Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center in Phoenix, Arizona, to discuss the realities of early adoption in retina care. Graff’s experience with the port delivery system (PDS) (Susvimo; Genentech), first as an investigator and later as one of the most active commercial utilizers in the US, provides insight into the opportunities and challenges of early adoption. He has navigated both the initial excitement of innovation and the realities of setbacks, including Genentech’s October 2022 voluntary recall following septum dislodgement issues. With the July 2024 reintroduction of a revised product, Graff offers a perspective on resuming adoption post-recall.

My Eyes, an Australian film created by actor, writer, and producer—and practicing optometrist—Tsu Shan Chambers, highlights the real-world challenges faced by families managing inherited eye disease and vision impairment. The Eye Care Network sat down with Chambers to discuss the film’s development and its role in raising awareness of eye health, particularly in relation to genetic conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa. Note: The film initially premiered in markets including Australia and New Zealand and is now widely available on Amazon Prime Video. Updates on future screenings can be found by following FanForce.

In this inaugural episode of the Ophthalmology Times® “Beyond The Walls” podcast, host Deborah Ristvedt, DO, of Vance Thompson Vision, welcomes Marguerite B. McDonald, MD, FACS, a trailblazer in refractive surgery, dry eye research, and ophthalmic leadership. The conversation traces McDonald’s journey from childhood experiences with severe myopia to her pioneering role in laser vision correction, as well as ongoing research and advice for the next generation of eye care professionals. McDonald is clinical professor of ophthalmology at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York and Tulane University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, and in practice at OCLI Vision in Oceanside, NY.

Welcome to “Eichenbaum Acorns,” an editorially independent series powered by Modern Retina® and hosted by David A. Eichenbaum, MD, FASRS, partner and director of research at Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida in Tampa Bay. This series explores the overlooked corners of the retina specialist profession through candid conversations with thought leaders. Eichenbaum is the German translation for oak tree, and the aim of this series is to plant acorns of insight that grow into oaks of understanding.In this inaugural installment, Eichenbaum sits down with Rishi P. Singh, MD, FASRS, to unpack the art and strategy behind building enduring continuing medical education (CME) programs.

In this podcast, experts John D. Gelles, OD, FAAO, FIAOMC, FCLSA, FSLS, FBCLA; and John Hovanesian, MD, FACS; discuss the importance of comprehensive strategies when performing corneal sensitivity testing in patients suspected of having neurotrophic keratitis (NK).

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness and affects approximately 80 million people globally, with projections to exceed .111 million by 2040. We know that the elevated intraocular pressure is the key modifiable risk factor which is why reducing intraocular pressure is central to treatment strategies. In this podcast, expert faculty from the featured symposium at the 2025 EnVision Summit share insights about interventional glaucoma co-management. Those faculty include ophthalmologists Rachel Simpson from Moran Eye Center in Salt Lake City, UT; James Murphy from Connecticut Eye Physicians in New Haven, CT; Mary Qiu from the Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute in Cleveland, Ohio; and optometrist Jessica Steen from the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Thyroid eye disease (TED), a rare autoimmune condition, can be sight-threatening, debilitating, and disfiguring, severely impacting patients’ quality of life and daily functioning. Traditional management approaches for TED have centered on immunomodulatory therapy and surgical interventions. In January 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved teprotumumab, the first therapy specifically indicated for TED. As treatment options evolve, there is an increasing need for a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach, which is essential to address individual patient needs throughout the disease course. This PER On Air Ophthalmology Times podcast provides an in-depth review of some of the key highlights from a satellite symposium that took place at the Envision Summit 2025 meeting in February 2025. This unique and engaging activity focuses on the practical aspects of managing patients with thyroid eye disease, putting recent clinical trial data into clinical context. The program is designed for those who did not attend the live meeting and to help reinforce learnings for those who did.

Recently approved anti-VEGF agents that target additional pathways and offer innovative delivery methods with longer-lasting effects may provide advantages over older anti-VEGF agents in managing patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). In this podcast, expert faculty discuss the roles of ophthalmologists and optometrists in managing nAMD and DME in an evolving treatment landscape, from screening and diagnosis to referral and ongoing patient care.

Geographic atrophy, an advanced stage of age-related macular degeneration, is a significant cause of vision loss. Given the progressive nature of geographic atrophy and its significant impact on quality of life, educating health care professionals about the disease burden, diagnostic strategies, and evolving management strategies is essential.This PER On-Air Ophthalmology Times podcast provides an in-depth review of some of the key highlights from the Envision Summit 2025 meeting, held in February 2025. This unique and engaging activity focuses on the practical aspects of managing patients with geographic atrophy, putting recent clinical trial data into clinical context. The program is designed for those who did not attend the live meeting and to help reinforce learnings for those who did.

The lacrimal functional unit, which includes the lacrimal glands and meibomian glands, can be stimulated via the trigeminal nerve to trigger production of the tear film. This approach can be used to manage dry eye disease (DED) in patients undergoing corneal refractive surgery. In this podcast, an expert explores opportunities to use this approach to treat patients with DED.

The 14th annual Glaucoma 360 conference will take place February 6 to 8, 2025, at the Westin St. Francis on Union Square in San Francisco, California. Co-founded by Adrienne Graves, PhD, and Andrew Iwach, MD, and hosted by Glaucoma Research Foundation, the three-day event highlights progress in glaucoma care while fostering innovation and collaboration.The conference opens on Thursday, February 6, with a gala to celebrate advancements in the field, followed by the New Horizons Forum on Friday, February 7, which serves as an incubator for innovation. Topics include artificial intelligence in glaucoma management, neuroprotection and vision restoration, and cross-species insights from veterinary ophthalmology. Carla J. Siegfried, MD, president of the American Glaucoma Society, will deliver the keynote address.The program on Saturday, February 8, begins with a continuing medical education program featuring M. Roy Wilson, MD, MS, who will present the Shaffer-Hetherington-Hoskins Lecture, and concludes with an optometric symposium. Visit www.glaucoma360.org for details.

The EnVision Summit, co-founded by Bonnie An Henderson, MD, is a unique family-friendly, multispecialty CME ophthalmology conference, along with a newly introduced optometry track. Henderson sits down with Ophthalmology Times' Sheryl Stevenson, group editorial director - eye care, to talk about the 2025 conference that will take place February 14 to 17 at the Caribe Hilton San Juan, in Puerto Rico.Henderson describes the meeting as “a place where not only are physicians and optometrists learning, but their families are part of the experience too,” emphasizing the opportunity for personal and professional growth in a supportive, community-oriented environment.The 2025 agenda will include symposia, surgical videos, panel discussions, and leadership seminars that highlight rapid advancements across ophthalmology specialties, including cataract, refractive, retina, glaucoma, pediatrics, and oculoplastics. “It’s incredible how quickly things change in ophthalmology—if you miss a year or two, you’ll be amazed by the innovations that have emerged,” Henderson shared. Updates on new intraocular lenses, surgical tools, and diagnostic techniques will showcase the field’s forward momentum. Additionally, a leadership seminar led by Malvina Eydelman, MD, Director of the Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT, and Dental Devices at FDA, Silver Spring, Maryland, will feature discussions on career pathways and diversity, empowering attendees with insights from industry leaders.The optometry track, introduced last year, continues to expand, emphasizing collaboration between ophthalmologists and optometrists in critical areas like preoperative and postoperative care, medications, and diagnostic tools. As Henderson explained, “It's important for both fields to come together and discuss how we can work together to improve patient care.” This cross-disciplinary dialogue reflects the summit's dedication to advancing care through shared expertise.The youth program offers age-appropriate activities that allow children to engage in fun learning while also witnessing their parents' professional contributions. "It’s amazing to watch these kids grow up at EnVision Summit and form lasting friendships,” said Henderson. The trainee program, which offers free registration for residents, fellows, and medical students, has also seen growth. Henderson highlighted the program’s value, noting that it “gives young professionals the chance to network with leaders in the field and gain invaluable mentorship.”To learn more about or to register for EnVision Summit 2025, click here.

Robert T. Chang, MD, from Stanford University discusses the evolving role of large language models (LLMs) in glaucoma care. He explores how these AI tools, including popular systems like ChatGPT, can enhance communication and patient education by summarizing complex information and tailoring it to different literacy levels. Chang highlights the potential of LLMs in improving efficiency in ophthalmology practices, such as assisting with virtual scribing and streamlining patient communication. However, he cautions about the risks of "hallucinations," where the AI may generate inaccurate information, stressing the importance of verification. Chang also touches on the use of LLMs for training medical residents and fellows, noting how they can simulate realistic scenarios, like preparing for fellowship interviews. Overall, he emphasizes that while LLMs offer significant benefits, careful use and validation are crucial for safe and effective integration into clinical workflows.

In this third of an exclusive three-part Ophthalmology Times EyePod podcast series on innovation, we continue our discussion with Jibran Sharieff, MD, and Brandon Kingrey, MD, who are residents at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They recently won second place at the Eyecelerator competition held before this fall’s American Academy of Ophthalmology conference in Chicago, receiving a $15,000 prize—the first such prize awarded to residents—for their development of a smartphone device designed to take fundus images. This innovative tool aims to advance ophthalmic imaging accessibility. Join us as Sharieff and Kingrey share their future outlook for their smartphone device and advice for other young innovators.Currently designed for undilated pupils, they aim to broaden the field of view and make the device compatible with various smartphones, including Samsung models. Plans include partnering with established manufacturers for FDA approval and exploring AI integration for enhanced analysis capabilities. They envision the device being used not only by ophthalmologists but also by ER doctors, primary care physicians, and neurologists, making optic nerve examination more accessible. Clinical trials with the Dean McGee Eye Institute are under way to validate its use. For fellow residents and young ophthalmologists, the innovators advise finding small, impactful problems to solve and embracing iterative, hands-on experimentation. They stress the importance of simple, practical solutions in innovation, balancing clinical responsibilities with project work by choosing tasks that feel enjoyable rather than burdensome.

In this second of an exclusive three-part Ophthalmology Times EyePod podcast series on innovation, we continue our discussion with Jibran Sharieff, MD, and Brandon Kingrey, MD, who are residents at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They recently won second place at the Eyecelerator competition held before this fall’s American Academy of Ophthalmology conference in Chicago, receiving a $15,000 prize—the first such prize awarded to residents—for their development of a smartphone device designed to take fundus images. This innovative tool aims to advance ophthalmic imaging accessibility. The device in development leverages the built-in hardware of iPhones to capture fundus images without requiring batteries or expensive optics, making it highly affordable and portable. Designed for ease of use, it surpasses traditional fundus cameras and direct ophthalmoscopes in cost-effectiveness and accessibility, enabling broader use among healthcare providers. Join us as Sharieff and Kingrey share insights into their project and their journey as young innovators in eye care.

In this first of an exclusive three-part Ophthalmology Times EyePod podcast series on innovation, we meet Jibran Sharieff, MD, and Brandon Kingrey, MD, who are residents at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They recently won second place at the Eyecelerator competition held prior to this month's American Academy of Ophthalmology conference in Chicago, receiving a $15,000 prize—the first such prize awarded to residents—for their development of a smartphone device designed to take fundus images. This innovative tool aims to advance ophthalmic imaging accessibility. Join us as Sharieff and Kingrey share insights into their project and their journey as young innovators in eye care.

Take a look at a review of the highlights from Ophthalmology Times during the week of September 29, 2024.

Peter J. McDonnell, MD, and Laura M. Periman, MD, discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming ophthalmology, especially in ocular surface disease. Dr. Periman highlights the potential of AI to streamline eye health screening and documentation, enabling ophthalmologists to focus on patients who require treatment. They emphasize how AI can enhance clinical efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and assist in making more precise treatment decisions. Dr. McDonnell adds that AI will allow ophthalmologists to have a much more productive and satisfying day in the clinic and operating room. Both believe AI will help advance the field and improve patient care globally.

Take a look at a review of the highlights from Ophthalmology Times during the week of September 29, 2024.

Take a look at a review of the highlights from Ophthalmology Times during the week of September 22, 2024.

Ehsan Sadri, MD, FACS, of Visionary Eye Institute in Newport Beach, California, sat down with Professor Emeritus Colin R. Green, PhD, DSc, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, in Auckland, New Zealand, to learn more about a novel therapy in development for the treatment of keratoconus and other corneal ectasias.Green outlines the status of the research, involving a unique combination of transforming growth factor beta-3 and dexamethasone, and the setup for a proof-of-concept study (via TheiaNova, a spin-out early-stage company of the University of Auckland).Green also offers career advice for vision scientists and entrepreneurs, advising that making the transition from basic research to research translation is challenging and that having an application in mind is crucial. He emphasizes the importance of persevering through the highs and lows of research and development, highlighting the long-term benefits and sense of achievement.

Take a look at a review of the highlights from Ophthalmology Times during the week of September 15, 2024.

X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) is a progressive disease that is more severe than other forms of RP. Affected male patients typically inherit a pathogenic variant of the RPGR gene on the X chromosome. In this podcast, an expert panel discusses diagnosing XLRP and provides an overview of clinical trials of gene therapies for XLRP.

Thyroid eye disease is a condition frequently associated with Graves disease that involves both acute and chronic inflammation of the orbit. Patients may experience ocular discomfort, appearance changes, and vision loss. In this podcast, an expert panel discusses diagnosing TED and providing appropriate pharmacologic and surgical treatments.

John Kitchens, MD, is joined by Peter Kaiser, MD, to discuss higher molar dose and its translation into clinical practice

John Kitchens, MD, sits down with Diana Do, MD, to discuss the PHOTON results and their relation to patients with diabetic macular edema in clinical practice.

John Kitchens, MD, sits down with David Brown, MD, to discuss the PULSAR results and their relation to patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in clinical practice.

This PER On Air - Ophthalmology Times podcast examines the new treatment paradigm for patients with geographic atropy, following the introduction of complement-targeting therapies. In this podcast, experts, Dr Cecelia Koetting and Dr Talia Kaden review some of the key highlights from the live satellite symposium, Community Practice Connection™: Mastering the New Treatment Paradigm in Geographic Atrophy – From Detection to Intervention presented at the 2024 EnVision Summit in Ophthalmology.

In this PER On Air Ophthalmology Times podcast, a team of experts provides insights into the diagnosis and management of patients with NK (including assessing their underlying cause of NK), with a look at the range of treatments available for patients with advanced stages of NK.

In this PER On Air Ophthalmology Times Podcast, a panel of experts takes a closer look at newer-generation anti-VEGF agents for the treatment of nAMD and DME, sharing insights into clinical trial and real-world data, patient education, and other important considerations for treatment. Faculty: Roger A. Goldberg, MD, MBA Vitreoretinal Specialist Bay Area Retina Associates Volunteer Faculty California Pacific Medical Center Walnut Creek, CA David R.P. Almeida, MD, PhD, MBA President and CEO Erie Retina Research Center for Advanced Surgical Exploration Erie, PA Jennifer I. Lim, MD, FARVO Marion H. Schenk Esq. Chair in Ophthalmology for Research of the Aging Eye UIC Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology Director, Retina Service Vice-Chair, Diversity and Inclusion University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL

In this Ophthalmology Times EyePod podcast, Mandeep S. Singh, MD, PhD, speaks with Mark S. Humayun, MD, PhD, to learn about the progress in developing a stem cell patch for treating advanced dry age-related macular degeneration. Developed by a team of researchers at USC, the stem cell patch represents a significant advancement in treatment. Dr. Humayun talks about the inspiration behind the patch, how his expertise in both ophthalmology and biomedical engineering has been crucial, and insights gained from a Phase 1/2a study. Dr. Humayun also outlines the upcoming steps for a multisite Phase 2b clinical trial and envisions the potential future role of the stem cell patch in the treatment of geographic atrophy.

This podcast features engaging commentary from experts in the clinical management of glaucoma. These experts share information about traditional and newer therapies for glaucoma, including topical drops, sustained drug delivery options, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. They discuss safety and efficacy data with an emphasis on appropriate patient selection, as well as key take-home points and practice pearls. Chair: Inas Aboobakar, MD Physician and Surgeon Massachusetts Eye and Ear Instructor in Ophthalmology Harvard Medical School Boston, MA Faculty: Janelle Davison, OD Owner and CEO Brilliant Eyes Vision Center Owner and Clinical Director Premier Dry Eye Spa & Cosmetic Eyecare Marietta, GA Eydie G. Miller-Ellis, MD Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Director, Glaucoma Service Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs Scheie Eye Institute Perelman Philadelphia, PA

The role of calendars may be growing more important when managing patients with nAMD and DME. How many weeks can patients go between injections with newer anti-VEGF agents versus older options? How short of an injection interval can patients tolerate before it becomes too much of a burden? In this podcast, Murtaza Adam, MD; Laxmi Devisetty, MD, Hong-Uyen Hua, MD; and Sherrol Reynolds, OD; share insights into determining appropriate treatment regimens with these therapies and supporting patient adherence.

Claris CEO, Clarke Atwell, gives an update on the company and their path toward developing treatment for neurotrophic keratitis

Tune in to the first of a new series of Ophthalmology Times EyePod podcasts focusing on innovation in ophthalmology. Throughout this series, we'll be hearing insights from various stakeholders including those in clinical practice, academia, and industry. The overarching message in this podcast is intended to be informational and not promotional. Today, our host Ehsan Sadri, MD, will be in conversation with Jeffry Weinhuff, who is managing partner of Visionary Ventures. And just a quick note: the thoughts and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of this publication.

Editor's Note: This podcast was generated from Ophthalmology Times content using an AI platform. Take a look at a review of the highlights from Ophthalmology Times during the week of December 17, 2023.

In this episode of EyePod, David Hutton sits down with Neena Haider, PhD, and Arun Upadhyay, PhD, to talk about modifier gene therapy.

Take a look at a review of the highlights from Ophthalmology Times during the week of January 21, 2024.