Experts InSight
Practical, topical conversations with experts across the spectrum of ophthalmology. Subscribe for the latest information, evidence-based practice standards, and innovations in eye care, from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Episodes
Central Retinal Artery Occlusions Revisited: Thoughts on TenCRAOS
Do the benefits really outweigh the risks when it comes to the use of thrombolytic drugs for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO)? Drs. Amanda Henderson and Michael Carper weigh in on the recently published Tenecteplase in Central Retinal Artery Occlusion Study (TenCRAOS) and how ophthalmologists should proceed in their management of CRAO with tenecteplase (TNK) or another tissue plasminogen ac
Challenges in DME: the Evolution of Fluid Management
With an abundance of therapeutic options for managing diabetic macular edema (DME), what patient characteristics inform your treatment decisions? Does the number of loading doses influence long-term macular fluid outcomes? How are you managing insurance-mandated step-therapy in your patients? In today's episode, host Dr. Jay Sridhar invites Drs. Durga Borkar and Carl Danzig to share how they've in
Of MIPS and Medicine: The Game of Cost Control and Reimbursements
Is the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) fulfilling its intended purpose, or is it just causing headaches? Dr. George Williams and Joe Reyes join host Dr. Andrew Pouw to share their expertise and experience with MIPS, including its evolution from prior medical cost control policies and how ophthalmologists can use the IRIS Registry to meet reporting requirements. For all episodes or to
Improving the Scientific Peer Review Process
Drs. Durga Borkar and Katherine Talcott join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to brainstorm ideas for how to maintain and improve the current scientific peer review process in ophthalmology. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts
Interferon Alpha for Cystoid Macular Edema
Drs. Eric Suhler and Nick Butler join host Dr. Ben Young to discuss an old treatment for cystoid macular edema (CME) that may be new to many of us: interferon alpha. They review its use, side effects, and success thus far. Relevant papers discussed in this episode: Treatment of refractory cystoid macular edema with pegylated interferon alfa-2A: a retrospective chart review Interferon alpha 2b in
Epiphora from Infancy to Adulthood
Dr. Scott Goldstein joins host Dr. Amanda Redfern to share his approach to managing nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in kids and his 3-step test for evaluating epiphora in adults, including how to identify complicating factors that may warrant surgical or procedural intervention. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Advocating for Advocacy
In today's episode, host Dr. Ben Young welcomes 3 core members of the Academy's Advocacy team: Dr. John McAllister, Secretary for Federal Affairs; Dr. John Peters, Secretary for State Affairs; and Rebecca Hyder, Vice President of Government Affairs. The panel discusses why routine patient care and advocacy go hand in hand, and how ophthalmologists can be better advocates for our patients at the cl
Nicotinamide Neuroprotection for Glaucoma
Host Dr. Andrew Pouw welcomes Drs. Gustavo De Moraes, Aakriti Shukla, and Simon John to discuss their team's work spanning the full arc of nicotinamide as a neuroprotection candidate for glaucoma, from bench to clinical trials. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
The Hospital-Based Ophthalmologist and Focused Practice Designation
Host Dr. Jay Sridhar welcomes Dr. Sarwar Zahid to unpack a recent American Journal of Ophthalmology perspective essay on the growing segment of hospital-employed ophthalmologists. They examine the appeal of the hospitalist model—shift-based work, reduced administrative burden, and work-life balance—alongside potential drawbacks, including income ceilings, RVU pressure, and burnout. The conversatio
Practicing Glaucoma in a Private Setting
Host Dr. Andrew Pouw welcomes glaucoma specialists Drs. Karam Alawa and Pujan Dave to discuss the sometimes bumpy transition from academia to private practice. The guests highlight clinical operations hurdles, such as navigating clunky EMR systems and prior authorizations, and managing finite staff and resources. Despite administrative hurdles, they emphasize the need for committed "chair time" to
Pearls for Resident Cataract Staffing
Host Dr. Jay Sridhar is joined by Drs. Naomi Gutkind and Ekjyot (Joey) Gill to discuss staffing ophthalmology residents in surgical training. The early-career faculty share insights on tailoring instruction to resident skill level, delivering feedback at the right moment, and handling complications with empathy. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podc
Challenges in Managing Retinal Vein Occlusion
Host Dr. Jay Sridhar welcomes Drs. Michael Ip and Sophie Bakri to discuss the challenges in caring for patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). The panel reviews the current approach to treatment using anti-VEGF agents and factors that may suggest a need for more intensive, long-term treatment. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.a
How Screen Time Affects Children's Vision Health
Drs. Roni Levin and Laura Enyedi join host Dr. Ben Young to review what we know about screen time for kids and its impact on visual development and general health. Today's episode draws largely from the EyeNet article, "Screen Time and Kids' Eye Health," which appeared in the December 2025 issue. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Good Days Chronic Disease Fund Updates
Drs. Priya Vakharia and Sarwar Zahid join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss the history, major recent changes, and future of the Good Days Chronic Disease Fund as it pertains to medical management of patients with retinal disease. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Uncovering the Patient Experience of Thyroid Eye Disease
Although severe thyroid eye disease (TED) is easily recognizable, mild TED may go undiagnosed for months if not longer. In today's episode, Dr. Vivek Patel joins host Dr. Amanda Redfern to share how he uncovers subtle signs and symptoms of TED that can lead to a quicker diagnosis and the treatments that make a meaningful impact on quality of life. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for select
CMS Cuts Rock Ophthalmology: Act Now!
The unprecedented payment cuts that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) proposed over the summer were finalized on October 31. The disastrous impact on cataract surgery reimbursements alone will amount to an 11% reduction in payment. In today's emergency episode, host Dr. Andrew Pouw welcomes back three guests to rally ophthalmologists to take action: Dr. John McAllister, the Academy's Sec
A Roadmap to Improving Emergency Treatment of Ocular Trauma
In this call to action, Drs. Robert Mazzoli, Stuart Seiff, and Jon Perlstein share the scope of issues surrounding ophthalmic trauma care in the United States and a roadmap for improving it, including how we can translate experiences from the military into our own set of Damage Control Ophthalmology (DCO) guidelines. Referenced article: A Call to Action and Roadmap for Improving Emergency Treatmen
Pediatric Cataract Surgery
Drs. Michelle Cabrera and Alejandra de Alba join host Dr. Ben Young to discuss the finer points of what makes pediatric cataract surgery so challenging—because it's not "just" scaled-down adult cataract surgery. Referenced article: Management of Infantile and Childhood Retinopathies: Optimized Pediatric Pars Plana Vitrectomy Sclerotomy Nomogram For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected
When We Err: The Ethics of and Approaches to Medical Disclosure
Dr. Thomas Gallagher joins host Dr. Amanda Redfern to share how to ethically and effectively disclose medical errors to patients. During the past 20 years, Dr. Gallagher's research has explored the intersection of healthcare quality, accountability, and communication. He has led a variety projects focused on the optimal response to adverse events and errors in healthcare, and developing systematic
Micropulse Laser Therapy for Glaucoma
Drs. Marc Toeteberg-Harms and Soshian Sarrafpour join host Dr. Andrew Pouw to discuss micropulse transscleral laser therapy for glaucoma, a less invasive procedure compared with traditional continuous-wave cyclophotocoagulation. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Is this GCA? What to Look for on Temporal Artery Biopsies
Host Dr. Amanda Redfern welcomes Dr. Claudia Prospero Ponce, a neuro-ophthalmologist and ocular pathologist, to share her unique perspective on how to diagnose giant cell arteritis (GCA) when temporal artery biopsies are not classically positive. For more information about pathological markers in GCA, check out this paper referenced in the episode: Sultan H, Smith SV, Lee AG, Chévez-Barrios P. Pa
Impact of the Big Beautiful Bill on Physicians
Dr. Nisha Mehta, founder of Physician Side Gigs, and Dr. Jim Dahle, founder of The White Coat Investor, join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its implications for physicians and ophthalmologists in particular. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
CMS Cuts Rock Ophthalmology and Medicine
In July, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) proposed catastrophic changes to Medicare reimbursement systems that, if finalized, will significantly affect ophthalmology and all specialty care. The impact on cataract surgery reimbursements alone would amount to an 11% reduction in payment. In today's episode, host Dr. Andrew Pouw welcomes three guests to discuss these highly complex and con
A Journey Through Vision Loss
Drs. Prithvi Sankar and Sriram Balasubramanian discuss a personal journey through vision loss, from both the ophthalmologist and patient perspective. Host Dr. Ben Young invites these two friends to share their lessons of grief, denial, and ultimate acceptance of a difficult diagnosis—in this case, retinitis pigmentosa—and what physicians can do to help their patients through these life-changing ev
Updates on Optic Disc Drusen
Dr. Bradley Katz joins host Dr. Amanda Redfern to share updates on the diagnostic imaging of optic disc drusen and current research efforts from the Optic Disc Drusen Consortium, an international alliance of researchers focused on optic nerve disorders. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Private Equity Acquisition and Access to Retinal Detachment Surgery
Drs. Durga Borkar and Yashaswini Singh join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss their recent publication regarding private equity (PE) acquisition and access to retinal detachment surgery. According to the study, physicians in PE-acquired practices decreased their number of retinal detachment repairs by nearly 20% after acquisition, potentially negatively impacting access to care and patient outcomes.
Intraocular Pressure Variance
Drs. Elyse McGlumphy and Soshian Sarrafpour join host Dr. Andrew Pouw to talk about the range of and reasons for intraocular pressure (IOP) variance, as well as the studies debating its significance for glaucoma. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Updates in Amblyopia Treatment
Host Dr. Ben Young invites Drs. Roni Levin and Evan Silverstein to review the current state of amblyopia treatment, ranging from the mainstays of patching and atropine drops to novel advances such as dichoptic therapy. Below are some references regarding dichoptic therapy that were discussed in this episode: Xiao S, Angjeli E, Wu HC, Gaier ED, et al. Luminopia Pivotal Trial Group. Randomized contr
Artificial Intelligence Applications for Patients and Physicians
Drs. John Kitchens and Andy Schimel join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss current and emerging applications for artificial intelligence (AI) relevant to both patients and physicians. The sweeping conversation covers resources for low-vision patients, as well as how large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Gemini can improve efficiency, creativity, and accuracy in a variety of clinical, prof
Intraocular Inflammation Following Intravitreal Injections
Drs. Chris Conrady and Akbar Shakoor join host Dr. Ben Young to teach us about why intraocular inflammation (IOI) sometimes occurs after intravitreal injections, how to differentiate these cases from endophthalmitis, and how to manage this potentially blinding condition. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Health Policy and Medicaid Funding
Advocacy and policy leaders Dr. Michael Repka and Rebecca Hyder join host Dr. Andrew Pouw to share their experiences and perspectives about the Academy's work engaging with policy stakeholders. The conversation reviews recent government healthcare funding debates that may affect Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episod
Updates in the Treatment of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON)
In today's episode, host Dr. Amanda Redfern invites Dr. Nancy Newman to share updates in the treatment of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), covering several clinical trials underway that involve idebenone and gene therapy. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Guidelines for the Diagnosis, Management, and Study of Autoimmune Retinopathy
In today's episode, host Dr. Jay Sridhar is joined by Dr. Bobeck Modjtahedi to discuss the American Academy of Ophthalmology's new guidelines on autoimmune retinopathy (AIR), recently published in Ophthalmology Retina. A member of the Academy's task force on AIR and lead author, Dr. Modjtahedi discusses a new diagnostic framework for categorizing AIR as probable, possible, or unlikely based on sp
Interventional Valve-Enhancing Trabeculotomy (iVEnT)
Drs. Davinder Grover and Ronald Fellman join host Dr. Andrew Pouw to discuss their latest innovative surgical advancement: interventional valve-enhancing trabeculotomy (iVEnT), an angle-based minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedure. Compared with a traditional goniotomy, this alternative approach may be less invasive, sparing tissue and offering faster visual recovery for glaucoma pat
Eye Care for Patients With Intellectual Disability
Dr. Michael Puente joins host Dr. Ben Young to share his experience founding the first eye clinic specifically for adult and pediatric patients with intellectual developmental delay. Dr. Puente provides practical tips for all ophthalmologists to improve their care for this vulnerable population. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Dilute Hypochlorous Acid for the Treatment of Periorbital Necrotizing Fasciitis
Drs. Louise Mawn and Jonathan Siktberg sit down with host Dr. Amanda Redfern to share their work on a groundbreaking paradigm shift in the treatment of periorbital necrotizing fasciitis with dilute hypochlorous acid. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
2025 Retina Update, Part 2: Photobiomodulation, OCT and OCTA Reimbursement, and Surgical Advances
Drs. M. Ali Khan and Ajay Kuriyan join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss updates in the retina space, including the FDA approval of photobiomodulation for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), OCT and OCTA reimbursement changes, and surgical technology advances. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
2025 Retina Update, Part 1: Injectables in the Medical Retina Space
Drs. Ashkan Abbey and Ehsan Rahimy join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss recent developments in the medical retina and injectable space, including faricimab versus high-dose aflibercept, biosimilars for ranibizumab and aflibercept, off-label bevacaziumb shortages, dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) therapies, private equity acquisitions, and the new drug pipeline. For all episodes or to cla
Botulinum Toxin in Strabismus
Pediatric ophthalmologists Drs. Michelle Cabrera and Alejandra de Alba join host Dr. Ben Young to discuss the pros and cons of using botulinum toxin (Botox) for treating patients with strabismus, and whether every pediatric ophthalmologist—or even general ophthalmologist—should have this technique in their toolbox. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/p
Making Sense of Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans (also known as "Part C") are rapidly increasing in use, and beneficiaries' co-pay and claims denials are becoming more frequent. In today's episode, host Dr. Andrew Pouw talks with Academy billing and advocacy experts Joy Woodke and Brandy Keys to learn more about MA plans and their impact on patients and how ophthalmologists deliver care. To review the requirements p
Best Practices When Prescribing Opioids for Postoperative Pain
Host Dr. Amanda Redfern welcomes oculoplastic surgeons Drs. Davin Ashraf and Natalie Hoesly to discuss their approaches to postoperative pain management, with the help of a pain and addiction medicine specialist, Dr. Pat Liu. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment of Mild Glaucoma
Leading glaucoma experts Drs. Jamie Brandt and Pradeep Ramulu join host Dr. Andrew Pouw to talk about the burden of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of mild glaucoma, and mitigation strategies both in the clinic and at the policy desk. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Choosing the Right Diagnostic Imaging for Neuro-ophthalmic Disorders
Host Dr. Amanda Redfern welcomes Dr. Sravanthi Vegunta, a pediatric and neuro-ophthalmologist, to explain how to select the right radiologic imaging when you suspect a neuro-ophthalmic disorder. Dr. Vegunta breaks down idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), papilledema, optic neuritis, optic atrophy, third and fourth cranial nerve palsies, Horner syndrome, and nystagmus. For all episodes or
The Impact of Diet and Nutritional Supplements on Eye Health
Drs. Himani Goyal and Rahul Tonk sit down with host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss various diets (e.g., plant-based and Mediterranean) and nutritional supplements in the context of corneal and retinal disease, focusing on how to advise patients given what we know and what's supported by evidence and other medical specialties. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao
Update on Regenerative Stem Cell Developments in Glaucoma
Dr. Thomas Johnson sits down with host Dr. Andrew Pouw to share exciting developments in regenerative stem cell research that may one day cure glaucoma. Learn more about Dr. Johnson's work in a recent presentation he delivered on behalf of the Glaucoma Foundation, and through the Retinal Ganglion Cell Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) Consortium. For
Retinitis Pigmentosa Treatment and the Role of Vitamin A
Drs. Jason Comander and Rachel Huckfeldt join host Dr. Ben Young to review management considerations for patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The discussion highlights the winding story of nutritional supplementation recommendations for vitamin A, and the importance of reanalyzing data behind established care patterns. While the latest findings confirm that vitamin E supplementation should sti
Semaglutide and NAION
Dr. Peter Quiros joins host Dr. Amanda Redfern to discuss the recent JAMA Ophthalmology article "The Risk of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Patients Prescribed Semaglutide," the first study to report a possible association between semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Novo Nordisk) and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Dr. Quiros provides an overview of what the
Update on Sustainability in Ophthalmology
Host Dr. Andrew Pouw welcomes Drs. Aakriti Shukla, Mahsaw Mansoor, and Alan Robin to discuss the latest sustainability initiatives in the ophthalmic OR and clinic that reduce waste, economic costs, and environmental impact. The participants gratefully acknowledge the joint support of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the inspiration
Ocular Oncology Clinical Trial Update
Drs. Maura Di Nicola and Basil Williams join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss the latest ongoing ocular oncology clinical trials for the treatment of uveal melanoma and associated complications of radiation therapy. Their review begins with the DRCR Retina Network's Protocol AL, which is studying the use of anti-VEGF agents or corticosteroids to reduce the occurrence of radiation retinopathy and co
Stickler Syndrome and Preventive Treatment
Drs. Emmanuel Chang and Eric Nudleman join host Dr. Ben Young to review Stickler syndrome, when to suspect, and how to diagnose this condition that can lead to significant systemic manifestations and severe vision loss. The panel also discusses the role and evidence for prophylactic treatments to reduce the rate of retinal detachment, which can occur in up to 65% of affected patients. For all epis
Eye Drop Waste in Ophthalmology Clinics
Host Dr. Jay Sridhar welcomes Dr. Gareth Lema to discuss his group's recent study published in Ophthalmology that quantified the amount of eye drop waste in ophthalmic clinics and the implications for practice. When handled appropriately, argues Dr. Lema, eye drops can be used until the FDA-regulated expiration date, and thus help reduce both their carbon footprint and costs while still providing
Medical Mistakes and What Doctors Can Learn From Pilots
Dr. Tamara Fountain joins host Dr. Ben Young to discuss strategies to avoid medical mistakes, how to recognize cognitive biases that can lead to diagnostic error, and what we can learn from the airline industry to improve patient safety. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
G2211 Add-On Code and the Patient–Physician Relationship
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) created the new G2211 add-on code to address the resource cost and effort to build patient relationships with those impacted by chronic and complex conditions. Use of this new add-on code is dependent on ophthalmologists building strong long-term relationships with patients to benefit their longitudinal care. Drs. Lee Alward and Young Kwon join
Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS)
Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) is a constellation of findings that often present in astronauts who have undergone long-duration space flight in microgravity environments. Astronauts with SANS may have disc edema, choroidal folds, cotton wool spots, nerve fiber layer thickening on OCT, globe flattening, and hyperopic shift. In today's episode, neuro-ophthalmologist and NASA con
The Impact of Declining Reimbursements for Retinal Procedures
Episode Description Drs. Avni Finn and Yoshi Yonekawa join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss the current state of retinal reimbursements and the impact that the cost of certain diagnostic and surgical procedures is having on the delivery of patient care. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Retinal Artery Occlusions: To tPA or Not to tPA?
With increasing awareness that a retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is a type of stroke, ophthalmologists must be able to plan the next steps of care when an RAO is identified on exam. Drs. Amanda Henderson and Michael Carper join host Dr. Amanda Redfern to guide us through their recommendations and various tricky scenarios, notably whether or not to advise use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). F
AI in Ophthalmology: LLMs and ChatGPT
How do ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs) work, and how might ophthalmologists harness their power for use in clinical practice? Drs. Peter Campbell and Travis Redd join host Dr. Amanda Redfern to discuss the advent of generative AI and its current and future implications for the practice of ophthalmology. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.or
The History of Ophthalmology
Dr. Chris Leffler, pediatric ophthalmologist and medical historian, joins host Dr. Andrew Pouw to discuss his study of the history of ophthalmology, ranging from the origin and use of the term "glaucoma," to the evolution of cataract surgery from antiquity to the modern era. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Surgical Anxiety and Performance in Ophthalmology
Drs. Annie Wishna and Royce Chen join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss their experiences teaching trainees with surgical anxiety. Throughout the episode, our guests share their personal anecdotes, measures to overcome surgical anxiety, and how to foster a culture that supports psychological improvement. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Harnessing the Power of Social Media for the Ophthalmologist
Drs. Rupa Wong and Dagny Zhu join host Dr. Amanda Redfern to share their experience and expertise using social media to successfully promote their ophthalmic practices and enhance their professional careers. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Ocular Side Effects of Checkpoint Inhibitors
Drs. Meghan Berkenstock, Stella Kim, and Lauren Dalvin join the show again to teach us about immune checkpoint inhibitors: game changers in oncology, but with a host of ocular side effects. All eye providers will be seeing more patients on this class of medication, and our panel teaches us what to look for and how to manage it. Additional resources: the National Comprehensive Cancer Network offers
Socioeonomic Determinants of Corneal Health
Drs. Fasika Woreta and Ekjyot Gill join host Dr. Jay Sridhar to discuss the literature and their experiences surrounding socioeconomic determinants of corneal pathology, and how social risk factors impact access to necessary corneal treatment and surgery. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
The Lasker Award for Optical Coherence Tomography
Dr. David Huang joins the show to share his story of developing optical coherence tomography (OCT), for which he, Dr. James Fujimoto, and Eric Swanson won the National Medal of Technology, the highest award for innovators in the United States, as well as the 2023 Lasker–DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, often called "America's Nobel Prize." For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selec
Private Equity Ownership and Hospital Adverse Events
Host Dr. Jay Sridhar invites Drs. Sneha Kannan and Zirui Song to discuss their research group's recent publication in JAMA analyzing the association between private equity ownership and the rate of hospital adverse events, and what the results could indicate for ophthalmologists and other physicians. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Virtual Reality and Visual Field Testing
Host Dr. Andrew Pouw and Dr. Chris Johnson, a leading authority on visual field research, discuss the advent of virtual reality (VR) visual field perimetry, its advantages over conventional bowl perimetry, and how this new diagnostic technology will impact the care for patients with glaucoma. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Ergonomics in the Clinic and Operating Room
Oculoplastics Diagnoses You Can't Miss
Drs. Natalie Homer and Andrea Tooley share some major can't-miss diagnoses in the lids and orbit that carry significant morbidity and mortality, including sebaceous cell carcinoma, orbital tumors, and infectious processes such as mucormycosis and necrotizing fasciitis. Strategies for imaging, histopathology, and management are also discussed. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected ep
The Whole-Eye Transplant
A surgical team from NYU Langone Health recently made history when it performed the world's first whole-eye and partial-face transplant in a patient who survived a high-voltage electrical accident. In today's episode, host Dr. Ben Young welcomes Dr. Vaidehi Dedania, a retina specialist and the primary ophthalmologist involved in the case, to discuss the surgery, the patient's progress, and the po
State Law and Early Eye Drop Refills
Adhering to an eye drop regimen can be difficult—especially for elderly patients with glaucoma. Those same patients often face an unexpected additional barrier to care when they run out of their medication and are denied early refills by a pharmacy or coverage by their insurance carrier. In today's episode, Dr. Kevin McKinney talks about how his own advocacy efforts at the state level helped prote
Altitude and Retinal Surgery
How do you advise patients who need an intraocular tamponade but also plan to travel into areas of high altitude or by air? When should the surgeon opt for silicone oil instead of gas or air? Drs. Sarah Read and Jack Stringham share their experiences and pearls for managing retinal surgery in these challenging cases. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/
The Ophthalmologist's Guide to Guide Dogs
Where do guide dogs come from? How are they trained, and how do they functionally support patients with visual impairment or blindness? What steps should you follow to "prescribe" a guide dog? Which patients qualify, and how much does it cost? In today's episode, host Dr. Ben Young invites Jake Koch and his dog Forli from Guide Dogs for the Blind to share everything the ophthalmologist needs to kn
Ocular Side Effects of Antibody-Drug Conjugates
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are new chemotherapeutic agents that can cause significant ocular side effects. Drs. Meghan Berkenstock, Lauren Dalvin, and Stella Kim review this new class of drugs and how they can affect the eye, providing essential tips for what to look for, when to screen, and how to treat the side effects. Prescribing information mentioned in this episode: Elahere (mirvetuxi
Modern Approaches to Diagnosing and Treating Retinoblastoma
Drs. Maura Di Nicola and Basil Williams sit down with host Dr. Jay Sridhar to review how retinoblastoma treatments have evolved, including discussion of intra-arterial and intravitreal chemotherapy and liquid biopsy using aqueous humor samples. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
Ophthalmic Clinical Documentation and the Electronic Health Record
Dr. Mike Chiang, Dr. Michael Boland, and Kent Mathewson join host Dr. Andrew Pouw to discuss the current state of clinical documentation in ophthalmology, the future of the electronic health record (EHR), the use of scribes, and legal considerations for documentation. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.
What to Expect When Expecting... in IIH
Drs. Julie Falardeau and Mike Lee discuss guidelines and pearls for the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) during pregnancy and childbirth. They share how pregnancy shifts the evaluation and management of the initial diagnosis of IIH and how it can affect patients who already have a history of the disease. For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit w
Update on Intravitreal Injectable Drugs and Dry AMD Treatments
Drs. M. Ali Khan, Ajay Kuriyan, and Sarah Read join host Jay Sridhar to discuss recent developments in intravitreal injectable drugs, including 8-mg aflibercept not initially approved by the FDA, the upcoming PDUFA date for on-label bevacizumab, and approaching injections for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.or
Medicare's MIGS Mistake
In June 2023, the regional Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) almost uniformly introduced draft policy language indicating cessation of coverage for many minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures, including goniotomy and cyclophotocoagulation. In today's episode, host Andrew Pouw is joined by Dr. Alan Robin, the first executive vice president of the American Glaucoma Society, a
Functional Approach to Functional Vision Loss
Drs. Anita Kohli and Imran Jivraj discuss the evaluation and management of patients with functional vision loss, also known as nonorganic or nonphysiologic visual loss, a phenomenon in which exam findings do not support an underlying organic etiology. Drs. Kohli and Jivraj offer pearls for how to handle both adult and pediatric patients. Functional vision loss can be challenging to identify and ma
Drug-Resistant Corneal Infections Linked to Artificial Tears
Cornea specialist Dr. Travis Redd discusses the recent outbreak of extensively drug-resistant corneal infections associated with artificial tears and that has led to cases of permanent vision loss and death. Dr. Redd also reviews the challenges and risks of multi-use eye drop bottles. Since January 2023, the CDC, FDA, and state and local health departments have been investigating a multistate outb
Genetic Testing for the Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmic genetic counselor Molly Marra and Dr. Lesley Everett discuss the pearls and pitfalls of genetic testing, especially in cases of suspected inherited retinal dystrophy. As discussed in the episode, the National Society of Genetic Counselors offers great tools to find genetic counselors who can advise you and your patients in the diagnostic journey. For all episodes or to claim CME credit
