The Retina Channel Podcast
The Retina Channel Podcast is a journal club-style show that reviews recent journal articles in the field of retina. It is aimed at retina specialists and other healthcare professionals who want to stay current with the latest publications. Each episode discusses relevant research and clinical updates in retina care.
Episodes
E98-Inherited Retinal Diseases in 2026 - Dr. Brian Ballios
Dr. Brian Ballios from the University of Toronto and Toronto Western Hospital returns to The Retina Channel for a comprehensive update on inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). We discuss the evolving landscape of gene therapy, including long-term experience with RPE65 therapy and emerging treatments for IRDs including antisense oligonucleotides, optogenetics, new therapies for Stargardt disease, stem
E97- Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology- Dr. John Kitchens
In this episode of The Retina Channel Podcast, Dr. Keyvan Koushan sits down with renowned retina specialist John Kitchens to discuss the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology and medicine. Dr. Kitchens shares his practical experience using AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity, offering insights into how these tools can enhance clinical practice,
E96- Tonabersat for DME- DRCR Protocol AN- Dr. Jennifer Sun
In this episode of The Retina Channel Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Sun joins Dr. Keyvan Koushan to discuss the Phase 2 results of DRCR Retina Network Protocol AN evaluating tonabersat for diabetic macular edema. Dr. Sun reviews the rationale behind targeting connexin-43–mediated inflammatory pathways in DME, the key efficacy and safety findings from the study, and the potential implications of this novel
E95- Real-World Data of Intraocular Inflammation Associated with Faricimab- Dr. Andrea Montesel
E94 – Systemic Drugs & Underrecognized Maculopathy - Dr. Seong Joon Ahn
In this episode of The Retina Channel Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Seong Joon Ahn from Hanyang University in South Korea to discuss a recent JAMA Ophthalmology study examining systemic drugs associated with underrecognized maculopathy. Using a novel two-step approach that integrates pharmacovigilance signal detection from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) with nationwide health-claims
E93- Slit-Lamp Detection of PVD: A Simpler Way to Diagnose- Dr. Mohsin Ali
In this episode, Dr. Mohsin Ali joins us to discuss his recent study on a simpler and highly effective way to clinically diagnose posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) using slit-lamp visualization of the posterior hyaloid membrane. The study compared this technique to the traditional Weiss ring method and OCT confirmation, finding that slit-lamp assessment of the posterior hyaloid was more sensitiv
E92-3D Heads-up Display Surgery - Dr. David Chow
Dr. David Chow, a proponent of 3D heads-up display (HUD) surgery for several years and involved in its development, provides a comprehensive introduction to 3D HUD systems in vitreo-retinal surgery. He covers optimization parameters for enhancing resolution and other variables to improve visualization.
E91- Inherited Retinal Disorders- Progress Promise and Lessons— Dr. Ioannis Dimopoulos
This episode is a reproduction of another Retina-Focused EyeNovation webinar series and a result of a special collaboration between the Canadian Retina Society and the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Dr. Ioannis Dimopoulos of the University of Ottawa provides a comprehensive overview of Inherited Retinal Disorders, with a specific focus on various gene therapy approaches. He details the outcome
E90- DRCR Retina Protocol AO- Home OCT for Management of Wet AMD- Dr. Christina Weng
In this episode of The Retina Channel Podcast, Dr. Christina Weng, Professor of Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine and Chair of DRCR Retina Protocol AO, discusses the pivotal trial evaluating home OCT monitoring in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The conversation reviews the study's rationale, methodology, and key findings, with emphasis on how home-based imaging could
E89- Artificial Intelligence Image Analysis and Retina Research- Prof. Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth
Prof. Schmidt-Erfurth is a Professor and the Past Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Medical University of Vienna and the director of Vienna Reading Centre. She has been a pioneer in the application of AI in retinal image analysis. In this episode, she describes various applications of AI in retina research and the work that her group has been doing over the years. The following art
E88- SIRE sign, Geographic Atrophy trials and treatments- Prof. Robyn Guymer
This episode is another retina-focused EyeNovation episode featuring Prof. Robyn Guymer who presented an in-depth discussion on the SIRE sign, assessment of visual function in Geographic atrophy and also current GA trials and treatments. YouTube link: https://youtu.be/p-R4_OsuGKE
E87- Pachychoroid Disease Spectrum- A deep Dive- Dr. Angie Fong
This episode is a reproduction of the second retina-focused EyeNovation webinar series and a result of a special collaboration between Canadian Retina Society and Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Dr. Angie Fong from the University of Hong Kong gives a fantastic overview of pachychoroid spectrum of conditions with a focus on central serous chorioretinopathy and polypoidal choroidal vasculopath
E86-8-Year Cognitive Outcomes of Intravitreal Bevacizumab for ROP- Dr. Wei-Chi Wu
Dr. Wu discusses prospective cognitive outcomes of children who had treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity. The analysis suggests that cognitive outcomes were similar for children who had either laser or anti-VEGF injections for ROP treatment. Dr. Wu will be one of the invited guest speakers at the Canadian Retina Society meeting in Vancouver, BC from April 25-April 27, 2025. You can register f
E85-EyeNovation Webinar- Double Layer Sign- Dr. Usha Chakravarthy
This episode is a recording of the retina-focused EyeNovation webinar episode which was a collaboration between Canadian Ophthalmological Society and the Canadian Retina Society. Dr. Chakravarthy will provide a background to the double layer sign, its definition and how it is detected. Data to support the presentation will be from the EDNA trial . This study possesses an imaging dataset that was
E84-Long-term Results of PIVOT and Suprachoroidal Viscopexy for RD Repair
In this episode, Dr. Muni discusses two of his recent publications on repair of retinal detachment. In the first article, he discusses long-term reattachment rates of patients that were studied in the PIVOT trial, showing that both groups of patients who underwent either pneumatic retinopexy or vitrectomy had excellent long-term attachment rates. In the second article, he discusses Suprachoroidal
E83-Systemic Methotrexate and Lower Rate of PVR Formation- Dr. Cindy Chen
Dr. Cindy Chen describes her group's work on a retrospective review of association of systemic methotrexate therapy and a lower rate of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) after retinal detachment repair in large cohort of 2674 eligible patients.
E82-Effect of Perfluorocarbon on Distortion after Repair of Retinal Detachment- Prof. Maher Saleh
Professor Maher Saleh discusses his group's findings for the use of perfluorocarbon in the treatment of macula-off retinal detachment. The study results suggest that perfluorocarbon liquid use during vitrectomy for macula-Off Retinal detachment has no impact on Macular folds and Metamorphopsia. Discussed article: Wurtz M, Dormegny L, Muller C, Bourcier T, Ballonzoli L, Gaucher D, Saleh M. PERFLUO
E81- Laser Retinopexy in Eyes With High-Risk Lattice Degeneration- Dr. Marc Spirn
Dr. Marc Spirn from Wills Eye Hospital discusses the results of a retrospective study of performing lattice degeneration on a series of patients who had lattice degeneration with high risk features. The discussed article: Kazan AS, Mahmoudzadeh R, Salabati M, Sharpe J, Fineman MS, Hsu J, Yonekawa Y, Spirn MJ. Indications and Outcomes of Laser Retinopexy in Eyes With High-Risk Lattice Degeneratio
E80-Retinal Vasculitis After Intravitreal Pegcetacoplan- Dr. Andre Witkin from ASRS Research and Safety in Therapeutics (ReST) Committee
Dr. Witkin from the American Society of Retina Specialists talks about our current knowledge of the incidence of retinal vasculitis following intravitreal injection of Pegcetacoplan for treatment of geographic atrophy. Discussed article: Witkin AJ, Jaffe GJ, Srivastava SK, Davis JL, Kim JE. Retinal Vasculitis After Intravitreal Pegcetacoplan: Report From the ASRS Research and Safety in Therapeutic
E79- Interaction Between Optometry and The Specialty of Retina- Panel Discussion
A panel of guests optometrists share their feedback about communication issues between optometry and the speciality of retina. Guests panelists: Dr. George Papadakis, Dr. Brian Feinstein, Dr. Lena Moiseiykina and Dr. Nagar Sohbati.
E78- Effect of Scleral Buckle on Outflow Facility, Intraocular Pressure, and Ocular Biomechanics- Dr. Arthur Sit
Dr. Arthur sit describes his surprising research results on the effect of scleral buckle on ocular fluid dynamics. The discussed article: Lyons LJ, Kazemi A, Bakri SJ, Barkmeier AJ, Iezzi R, Olsen TW, Hodge DO, Sit AJ. The Effect of Scleral Buckle Surgery on Tonographic Outflow Facility, Positional Intraocular Pressure, and Ocular Biomechanics. Ophthalmol Glaucoma. 2024 Jan-Feb;7(1):1-7. doi: 10.1
E77-Indivisual and Systemic Risk Factors for Diabetic Vitrectomy- Dr. Paul Micevych
Dr. Paul Micevych from the UC San Francisco discusses his group's work on systemic and individual risk factors leading to complicated diabetic retinopathy requiring vitrectomy. Discussed article: Micevych PS, Taha AM, Poddar A, Stewart JM. Individual and Systems-Based Risk Factors for Diabetic Vitrectomy in an Urban Safety-Net Hospital. Ophthalmol Retina. 2023 Dec;7(12):1027-1034. doi: 10.1016/j.
E76-EDI landscape in Canadian Ophthalmology Residency Programs
Dr. Nina Ahuja and Dr. Nupura Bakshi elaborate on the concept of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in medicine and discuss their recent publication about the EDI landscape in the Canadian ophthalmology post-secondary programs. The discussed article: Lee EY, Farrokhyar F, Bakshi N, Levin LA, Ahuja N. Equity, diversity, and inclusion landscape in Canadian postgraduate medical education for ophthalmolo
E75-PED Height and Variabiility and Outcomes of wet AMD Treatment- Dr. David Sarraf
Dr. Sarraf talks about his group's work on the correlation of PED size and variablity and the visual improvement during the treatment of neovascular AMD as analyzed using data from HAWK and HARRIER studies. Referenced article: Sarraf D, Khanani AM, Sadda SR, Chang A, Wong DT, Kempf AS, Saffar I, Tang S, Tadayoni R. PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT THICKNESS AND VARIABILITY AFFECTS VISUAL OUTCOMES IN
E74- Full-Thickness Macular Holes in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2- Dr. Jong Park
Dr. Jong Park discusses surgical mananement of full-thickness macular holes associated with macular telangiectasia. Referenced article: Park JG, Adrean SD, Begaj T, Capone A Jr, Charles S, Chen SN, Chou HD, Cohen MN, Corona ST, Faia LJ, Garg SJ, Garretson BR, Gregori NZ, Haller JA, Houghton OM, Hsu J, Jo J, Kaiser RS, Lai CC, Mahgoub MM, Mansoor M, Matoba R, Morizane Y, Nehemy MB, Raphaelian PV,
E73- RD associated with Retinal Dialysis- Dr. Rohowetz
Dr. Landon Rohowetz discusses his group's findings of a retrospective analysis of the characteristics of Retinal Detachment cases that were associated with Retinal Dialysis. Discussed article: Rohowetz LJ, Jabbehdari S, Smiddy WE, Berrocal AM, Townsend JH, Chang JS, Yannuzzi N, Sridhar J, Haddock LJ, Fortun JA, Flynn HW Jr; Retinal Dialysis Study Group. Retinal Detachment Associated with Retinal
E72-The MERIT Trial
Dr. Jabs and Dr. Acharya discuss the results of the MERIT trial that investigated relative efficacy of intrvitreal injections of Dexamethasone implant vs ranibizumab vs methotrexate for the treatment of macular oedema associated with uveitis. Discussed article: Multicenter Uveitis Steroid Treatment Trial (MUST) Research Group, Writing Committee:; Acharya NR, Vitale AT, Sugar EA, Holbrook JT, Burke
E71- GA progression on Asian vs non-Asian Eyes- Prof Gemmy Cheung
Prof. Gemmy Cheung from the National University of Singapore and Singapore National Eye Center discusses her research results on progression of Geographic Atrophy on Asian vs non-Asian Eyes. References Article: Teo KYC, Fujimoto S, Sadda SR, Kokame G, Gomi F, Kim JE, Cheng MFS, Corradetti G, Amornpetchsathaporn A, Chainakul M, Lee WK, Lai TYY, Ruamviboonsuk P, Cheung CMG. Geographic Atrophy Phenot
E70-Archway 3 Port Delivery System for wAMD- Dr. Carl Regillo
Dr. Regillo describes the results of the phase 3 prospective study of Ranibizumab Port Delivery System (PDS) for the treatment of neovascular AMD. Reference Article: Regillo C, Berger B, Brooks L, Clark WL, Mittra R, Wykoff CC, Callaway NF, DeGraaf S, Ding HT, Fung AE, Gune S, Le Pogam S, Smith R, Willis JR, Barteselli G. Archway Phase 3 Trial of the Port Delivery System with Ranibizumab for Neov
E69- DRCR Protocol AC Cost Analysis- Dr. William Smiddy
Dr. Smiddy presents a cost analysis of the step therapy for treatment of diabetic macular edema based on DRCR protocol AC results. Discussed article: Patel NA, Al-Khersan H, Yannuzzi NA, Lin J, Smiddy WE. Aflibercept Monotherapy versus Bevacizumab-First for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Cost Analysis Based on Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network Protocol AC Results. Ophthalmol Retina. 2023 M
E68-Retinectomy without Lensectomy for RD with PVR- Dr. Jason Hsu
Dr. Jason Hsu from Wills Eye Hospital returns to The Retina Channel to discuss his groups' retrospective study of eyes with advanced retinal detachement (PVR grade C or worse) that underwent retinectomy without lensectomy. Their study showed that 75% of these eyes at 3 months (and 68% at 6 months) had single surgery anatomic success. The study is suggestive that lensectomy and even peripheral vitr
E67-DAVIO Trial- extended release EYP-1901 for wet AMD- Dr. Jay Duker
Dr. Jay Duker speaks about the results of the DAVIO trial which was a phase 1 trial investigating an intravitreal implant (EYP-1901) containg vorolanib (a VEGF and receptor blocker) in a bioerodible Durasert implant for the treatment of wet AMD.
E66-DIAMONDS Study- Micropulse Laser vs Standard Laser for DME- Prof. Noemi Lois
Dr. Noemi Lois from Queens University in Belfast, UK discusses results of the DIAMONDS study, which was a prospective trial that looked into the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML), compared with standard laser (SL), for diabetic macular edema (DME) with central retinal thickness (CRT) < 400 um. Referenced article: Lois N, Campbell C, Waugh N, Azuar
E65-Incidence of delayed retinal tears after symptomatic PVD- Dr. Jing Chen
Dr. Xuejing Chen discusses her group's retrospective analysis of the incidence and risk factors of delayed retinal breaks following a symptomatic posterior vitreous detachment. Discussed article: Jindachomthong KK, Cabral H, Subramanian ML, Ness S, Siegel NH, Chhablani J, Hsu SX, Chen X. Incidence and risk factors for delayed retinal tears following an acute, symptomatic posterior vitreous detachm
E64-DRCR Protocol AC-Aflibercept Monotherapy or Bevacizumab First for DME- Dr. Chirag Jhaveri
Dr. Jhavery discusses results of DRCR Retina Protocol AC study which compared DME response to anti-VEGF injections in patients who received Aflibercept monotherapy vs those who started with Bevacizumab first and then switched to Aflibercept if needed. Discussed article: Jhaveri CD, Glassman AR, Ferris FL 3rd, Liu D, Maguire MG, Allen JB, Baker CW, Browning D, Cunningham MA, Friedman SM, Jampol LM
E63- Vitrectomy vs Vitrectomy plus Scleral Buckle for Repair of Retina Detachments Due to Giant Retina Tears- Dr. Fernando Arevalo
Dr. J. Fernando Arevalo discusses results of an international multicenter study that compared surgical success rates of vitrectomy vs vitrectomy + scleral buckle to repair retinal detachments due to giant retinal tears. The study collected 200 patients data over a 12 year period. Referenced article: Ong SS, Ahmed I, Gonzales A, Al-Fakhri AS, Al-Subaie HF, Al-Qhatani FS, Alsulaiman SM, Mura M, Maia
E62-CRVO and HRVO Associated with COVID-19 Infection in Young Patients-Dr. Avni Finn
Dr. Finn discusses her groups' case series on temporal associattion CRVO and HRVO in young healthy patients after COVID-19 infection. Discussed article: Ashkenazy N, Patel NA, Sridhar J, Yannuzzi NA, Belin PJ, Kaplan R, Kothari N, Benitez Bajandas GA, Kohly RP, Roizenblatt R, Pinhas A, Mundae R, Rosen RB, Ryan EH Jr, Chiang A, Chang LK, Khurana RN, Finn AP. Hemi- and Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
E61- Air vs SF6 for small-medium macular holes- Dr. Birger Lindtjørn
Dr. Birger Lindtjørn from Norway discusses his team's prospective trial on comparison of SF6 vs air tamponade in vitrectomy for closure of small-medium macular holes. Discussed article: Lindtjørn B, Krohn J, Haugstad M, Stene-Johansen I, Austeng D, Basit S, Fossen K, Varhaug P, Kvaløy JT, Forsaa VA. Air versus Sulfur Hexafluoride Gas Tamponade for Small and Medium-Sized Macular Holes: A Randomized
E60-Reticular Pseudodrusen and Progression to Advanced AMD- Prof. Robyn Guymer
Prof. Guymer from Melbourne Univeristy discusses finding of a prospective study on absence of association between retinal pseudodrusen and advanced AMD. Discussed article: Wu Z, Kumar H, Hodgson LAB, Guymer RH. Reticular Pseudodrusen on the Risk of Progression in Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Am J Ophthalmol. 2022 Mar 11:S0002-9394(22)00101-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.03.007. Epub
E59-Novel RCBTB1 variants and late-onset retinal dystrophy- Dr. Brian Ballios
Dr. Ballios discusses his group's findings on novel mutations in the RCBTB1 gene that can cuase late-onset non-syndromic retinal dystrophies mimicking macular degeneration. Full article: Catomeris AJ, Ballios BG, Sangermano R, Wagner NE, Comander JI, Pierce EA, Place EM, Bujakowska KM, Huckfeldt RM. Novel RCBTB1 variants causing later-onset non-syndromic retinal dystrophy with macular chorioretina
E58-Drainage Techniques for Retina Detachment Repair-Dr. Vinod Kumar
Dr. Kumar discussed his group's prospective study on the comparative outcomes of two different drainage techniques (posterior retinotomy vs PFCL) for repair of rhegmatogenous retina detachment.
E57-PAMM and the Ischemic Cascade- Dr. David Sarraf
Dr. David Sarraf from UCLA discusses Paracentral Acute Middle Maculopathy (PAMM) and its the ischemic implications. Discussed article: Wang D, Au A, Duker JS, Sarraf D. PAMM and the ischemic cascade associated with radiation retinopathy. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2020 Sep 8;20:100918. doi: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2020.100918. PMID: 32984654; PMCID: PMC7495006.
E56-C5 Inhibitor Avacincaptad Pegol for Geographic Atrophy- Dr. Kourous Rezaei
Dr. Kourous Rezaei reviews the results of the GATHER1 trial on complement C5 inhibition for slowing down progression of geography atrophy in dry AMD. References article: Jaffe GJ, Westby K, Csaky KG, Monés J, Pearlman JA, Patel SS, Joondeph BC, Randolph J, Masonson H, Rezaei KA. C5 Inhibitor Avacincaptad Pegol for Geographic Atrophy Due to Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Randomized Pivotal Pha
E55-Minimized Eye Movement and Laser for RD Repair- Dr. Gregg Kokame
Dr. Kokame from the University of Hawaii reports a novel method of repairing certain types of retinal detachment using minimized eye movement followed by laser retinopexy. Referenced article: Kokame GT, Yee S, Omizo JN, Villanueva L, Liu J. Laser Treatment after Minimized Eye Movement for Repair of Retinal Detachment. Ophthalmol Retina. 2021 Sep;5(9):939-941. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2021.01.014. Epub
E54-Macular Hydrodissection, Scleral Needling and Preop Gas- Dr. Efrem Mandelcorn
Dr. Efrem Mandelcorn from the University of Toronto talks about 3 different surgical techniques that he's published in 3 different articles: 1. Macular hydodissection for challenging macular holes: Felfeli T, Mandelcorn ED. MACULAR HOLE HYDRODISSECTION: Surgical Technique for the Treatment of Persistent, Chronic, and Large Macular Holes. Retina. 2019 Apr;39(4):743-752. doi: 10.1097/IAE.00000000000
E53-Optogenetic Vision Recovery for Retinitis Pigmentosa-Drs. Sahel and Roska
Professors Sahel and Roska describe partial visual recovery of a patient with advanced RP using optogenetic technology. Discussed article: Sahel JA, Boulanger-Scemama E, Pagot C, Arleo A, Galluppi F, Martel JN, Esposti SD, Delaux A, de Saint Aubert JB, de Montleau C, Gutman E, Audo I, Duebel J, Picaud S, Dalkara D, Blouin L, Taiel M, Roska B. Partial recovery of visual function in a blind patient
E52-Complications of Acute PVD- Dr. Michael Seider
Dr. Seider elaborates on his group's large retrospective study on rates and risk factors for complicated acute posterior vitreous detachment. Full reference to the discussed article: Seider MI, Conell C, Melles RB. Complications of Acute Posterior Vitreous Detachment. Ophthalmology. 2021 Jul 27:S0161-6420(21)00552-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.07.020. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34324945.
E51-COVID-19 and anti-septics, Ocular Tissue Detection, & Ontario Surgical Backlog-Dr. Tina Felfeli
Dr. Tina Felfeli discusses 3 articles around COVID-19 and ophthalmology: (1) Effect of various concretions and exposure times of common ophthalmology anti-septics on COVID-19 infected cell lines. (2) Effect of the pandemic on the backlog of elective ophthalmic surgical cases in the province of Ontario, Canada (3) Detection of the COVID-19 virus in different ocular tissues of a patient that tested
E50-Vision Recovery Velocity, Momentum and Acceleration-Dr. David Almeida
Dr. Almeida presents a mathematical model based on Newtonian mechanics to discuss vision recovery of different anti-VEGF medications. The discussed article: Almeida DRP, Ruzicki J, Xu K, Chin EK. Vision Recovery Velocity, Momentum and Acceleration: Advanced Vitreoretinal Analytics as Measure of Treatment Efficacy for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Clin Ophthalmol. 2021 Jan 18;15:18
E49-SCREENROP Study. Refining ROP Screening Guidelines- Dr. Kourosh Sabri
Dr. Sabri discusses his group's analysis of various screening criteria to detect visually significant Retinopathy of Prematurity while minimizing unnecessary retinal exams. Discussed article: Sabri K, Shivananda S, Farrokhyar F, Selvitella A, Easterbrook B Kin B, Seidlitz W, Lee SK; Canadian Neonatal Network and the Canadian Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Refining evidence-
E48-DRCR Protocol W 2-year Results: Prophylactic anti-VEGF for Mod-Severe NPDR
Dr. Raj Maturi from the DRCR Retina Network discusses effect of early anti-VEGF injections in moderate-severe NPDR to prevent vision-threatening complications of diabetic retinopathy. This is the 2-year results of a 4-year study. Discussed article: Maturi RK, Glassman AR, Josic K, Antoszyk AN, Blodi BA, Jampol LM, Marcus DM, Martin DF, Melia M, Salehi-Had H, Stockdale CR, Punjabi OS, Sun JK; DRC
E47-Nondamaging Retinal Laser for Mac Tel Type II- Dr. Daniel Lavinsky
Dr. Daniel Lavinsky describes the results of a small randomized controlled clinical trial investigating functional and anatomical outcomes of using nondamaging retinal laser for the treatment of macular telangiectasia type II. The discussed article: Lavinsky D, Silva MOD, Chaves AE, Schneider WFM, Lavinsky F, Palanker D. FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL EFFECTS OF NONDAMAGING RETINAL LASER THERAPY FOR MA
E46- DRCR Protocol AB. Anti-VEGF vs PPV for PDR w Vit Heme-Dr. Andrew Antoszyk
Dr. Antoszyk from the DRCR Retina Network discusses Protocol AB, which compared anti-VEGF injections vs immediate pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of vitreous hemorrhage due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The discussed article: Antoszyk AN, Glassman AR, Beaulieu WT, Jampol LM, Jhaveri CD, Punjabi OS, Salehi-Had H, Wells JA 3rd, Maguire MG, Stockdale CR, Martin DF, Sun JK; DRCR Retin
E45- Stress in Medicine- Book Club with Dr. Nina Ahuja
Dr. Nina Ahuja (@docsleadership) discusses her newly published booked titled "Stress in Medicine, Lessons Learned Through my Years as a Surgeon, from Med School to Residency, and Beyond". In an intimate account of her journey through her medical career, Dr. Ahuja discusses some of hardships and difficulties that she has gone through with the goal of bringing more transparency to the medical educat
E44- Representation of Women in Vitreoretinal Meetings- Dr. Jay Sridhar
Dr. Sridhar (host of the Straight from the Cutter's Mouth podcast) discusses his recent article on the trends of women's representation in VR meetings in the US between 2015 and 2019. The discusses article: Sridhar J, Kuriyan AE, Yonekawa Y, Berrocal A, Khan MA, Chan RVP, Haller JA. Representation of Women in Vitreoretinal Meeting Faculty Roles from 2015 through 2019. Am J Ophthalmol. 2021 Jan;22
E43- Retinal Findings in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients- Dr. Leonardo Pereira
Dr. Pereira speaks about his group's report on retinal findings in patients with severe COVID-19 infections who were admitted in the ICU. Discussed article: Pereira LA, Soares LCM, Nascimento PA, et al. Br J Ophthalmol Epub ahead of print: [please include Day Month Year]. doi:10.1136/bjophthalmol- 2020-317576
E42-Peripheral Exudative Hemorrhagic Chorioretinopathy- Dr. Federico Zicarelli
Dr. Zicarelli discusses his group's 10-yr retrospective analysis on the prognostic factors associated with Peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinpathy. Discussed article: Zicarelli F, Preziosa C, Staurenghi G, Pellegrini M. Peripheral exudative haemorrhagic chorioretinopathy: a widefield imaging study. Br J Ophthalmol. 2020 Sep 3:bjophthalmol-2020-317083. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-3170
E41- Treatment of Secondary Macular Holes with Topical Therapy- Dr. John Niffenegger
Dr. Niffenegger discusses a case series of secondary macular hole treatment with topical therapy. Discussed article: Niffenegger JH, Fong DS, Wong KL, Modjtahedi BS. Treatment of Secondary Full-Thickness Macular Holes with Topical Therapy. Ophthalmol Retina. 2020 Jul;4(7):695-699. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2020.01.014. Epub 2020 Jan 28. PMID: 32284268.
E40-Retinal Vasculitis and Intraocular Inflammation with Brolucizumab - Dr. Caroline Baumal
Dr. Baumal discusses features and outcomes of eyes with retinal vasculitis and intraocular inflammation after intravitreal injection of brolucizumab for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Discussed article: Baumal CR, Spaide RF, Vajzovic L, et al. Retinal Vasculitis and Intraocular Inflammation after Intravitreal Injection of Brolucizumab [published online ahead of print,
E39- Slit Lamp Shields and Face Masks for COVID-19. Dr. Victor Koh
Dr. Koh from Singapore National University Hospital discusses his team's simulation study on aerosol transmission through slit lamp shields and face masks. Discussed article: Chuan OS, Bin Razali MA, Shaffiee L, Xing YJ, Yin Fei TT, Chee LS, Koh V, Do slit lamp shields and face masks protect ophthalmologists amidst COVID-19?, Ophthalmology (2020), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.06.03
E38-Retinal Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease- Drs. Cecilia Lee and Rajendra Apte
Drs. Lee and Apte discuss their recent paper on our current understanding of using retinal imaging biomarkers to evaluate Alzheimer's disease. Discussed article: Lee CS, Apte RS, Retinal Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease, American Journal of Ophthalmology (2020), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2020.04.040.
E37- Retinal Detachment Rates after Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injections- Dr. Omesh Gupta
Dr. Gupta discusses findings of this large retrospective study on the risk and associations of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. Discussed article: Storey PP, Pancholy M, Wibbelsman TD, et al. Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment after Intravitreal Injection of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. Ophthalmology. 2019;126(10):1424‐1431. doi:10.1016/j.ophth
E36- COVID-19 and Preparedness among Ophthalmologists- International Panel Discussion. Drs. Dan Ting, Olivia Li and Steven Yeh
In a panel discussion with Dr. Koushan, Drs. Daniel Ting, Olivia Li and Steven Yeh discuss the preparedness of ophthalmologists in the COVID-19 crisis. The discussion is based on the most recent Ophthalmology editorial: Preparedness among Ophthalmologists: During and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic. Olivia Li, Ji-PengWong, Tien Y.Wong, Edmund Y.Mehta, JodLin, HaotianLin, XiaofengStrouthidis, Nicholas
E35- COVID-19 Mortality and Public Mask Usage- Dr. Christopher Leffler
Dr. Leffler discusses his team's analysis of the country-wide mortality from COVID-19 pandemic and its correlation with mask usage by the public. Full reference: Leffler CT, Ing E, McKeown CA, Pratt D, Grzybowski A. Final Country-wide Mortality from the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and Notes Regarding Mask Usage by the Public. April 4, 2020. Available from: researchgate.net.
E34- Progression of glaucoma after anti-VEGF injections in susceptible eyes- Dr. Eugene Shildkrot
Dr. Shildkrot discusses progression of glaucomatous changes in 28 eyes that were receiving anti-VEGF injections. Discussed article: Effects of Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Therapy on Glaucoma-like Progression in Susceptible Eyes, Du, Jeanette MD; Patrie, James T ; Prum, Bruce E.; Netland, Peter A.; Shildkrot, Yevgeniy (Eugene) MD, Journal of Glaucoma: December 2019 - Volume 28 - Issue 12 - p 1035-1040
LEAVO Trial - Comparison of Anti-VEGF drugs for Macular Edema Secondary to CRVO- Dr. Philip Hykin.
Dr. Philip Hykin discusses the LEAVO trial which was a large prospective trial comparing the efficacy of three main anti-VEGF intravitreal injections (bevacizumab, ranibizumab and aflibercept) for treating macular edema secondary to Central Retinal Vein Occlusion. The discussed article: Clinical Effectiveness of Intravitreal Therapy With Ranibizumab vs Aflibercept vs Bevacizumab for Macular Edema
E32-Change in Management after Vitreous Culture in Endophthalmitis after Intravitreal Injections-Dr. James Vander
Dr. Vander from Wills Eye Hospital discusses the effect of vitreous tap on the management of 60 cases of endophthalmitis post intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. The discussed article: Changes in Management Based on Vitreous Culture in Endophthalmitis After Intravitreal Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injection. Patel SN, Storey PP, Pancholy M, Obeid A, Wibbelsman TD, Levin H, Hsu J, Garg
E31- FLUID Study - Dr. Robyn Guymer
Dr. Guymer discusses the results of the FLUID study which investigated whether some residual sub retinal fluid can be tolerated in neovascular macular degeneration. Full reference: Tolerating Subretinal Fluid in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treated with Ranibizumab Using a Treat-and-Extend Regimen. Guymer, Robyn H.Chang, Andrew et al. Ophthalmology, Volume 126, Issue 5, 723 - 734
E30-Clinical Predictors of Low-Risk Histopathology for Retinoblastoma- Dr. Sameh Soliman
Dr. Soliman discusses his team's analysis of clinical predictors of low histopathology in eyes that were enucleated because of retinoblastoma. The goal of the study is to find clinical indicators in retinoblastoma that could be used to salvage eyes via eye-preserving treatment methods instead of enucleation.
E29-Anti-VEGF Levels in Breast Milk after Intravitreal Injections-Drs. Muni and Juncal
Drs. Muni and Juncal discuss their case series on the level of anti-VEGF drugs and VEGF-A levels on lactating mothers who had received intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. Reference for the article: Ranibizumab and Aflibercept Levels in Breast Milk after Intravitreal Injection; Verena R. Juncal,Quratulain Paracha,Motaz Bamakrid, ,Carolina L.M. Francisconi, Julia Farah, Amin Kherani ,Rajeev H. Muni
E28-Brolucizumab for wet AMD (HAWK and HARRIER)- Dr. Pravin Dugel
Dr. Dugel discusses 1 and 2 year results of HAWK and HARRIER on Brolucizumab for neovascular AMD. Full reference: Dugel, P. U., Koh, A., Ogura, Y., Jaffe, G. J., Schmidt-Erfurth, U., Brown, D. M., . . . Investigators, H. S. (2019). HAWK and HARRIER: Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Masked Trials of Brolucizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmology. doi:10.1016/
E27-DRCR Protocol V Results- Anti-VEGF vs Focal Laser vs Observation for DME in Eyes with Very Good Vision- Dr. Jennifer Sun
Dr. Sun discusses Protocol V results that investigated efficacy of 3 treatment approaches for DME in eyes with vision of 20/25 or better: aflibercept injections, focal laser, or observation. Reference to the publication: Baker CW, Glassman AR, Beaulieu WT, Antoszyk AN, Browning DJ, Chalam KV, Grover S, Jampol LM, Jhaveri CD8, Melia M, Stockdale CR, Martin DF, Sun JK; DRCR Retina Network. Effect o
E26-Autologous Retinal Transplant for Refractory Macular Holes-Dr. Tamer Mahmoud
Dr. Tamer Mahmoud discusses an innovative surgical method for closure of refractory macular holes using autologous retinal transplants. Full reference of the discusses article: Grewal, D. S., Charles, S., Parolini, B., Kadonosono, K., & Mahmoud, T. H. (2019). Autologous Retinal Transplant for Refractory Macular Holes: Multicenter International Collaborative Study Group. Ophthalmology. doi:10.1016
E25-RIVAL Study: Ranibizumab vs Aflibercept in T&E for wet AMD- Dr. Mark Gillies
Dr. Mark Gillies from Sydney, Australia discusses 2-year results of the RIVAL Study which investigated rates of geographic atrophy and visual acuity changes in patients with wet AMD. Full reference: Gillies, M. C., Hunyor, A. P., Arnold, J. J., Guymer, R. H., Wolf, S., Ng, P., . . . McAllister, I. L. (2019). Effect of Ranibizumab and Aflibercept on Best-Corrected Visual Acuity in Treat-and-Exte
E24-Acute Retinal Angiographic Changes with Intravitreal Injections-Dr. Richard Rosen
Dr. Richard Rosen discusses a review of perfusion density changes (measured by OCT-Angiography) as measured before and immediately after intravitreal injections. Full reference of the article: Barash, A., Chui, T. Y. P., Garcia, P., & Rosen, R. B. (2019). Acute Macular and Peripapillary Angiographic Changes with Intravitreal Injections. Retina. doi:10.1097/IAE.0000000000002433
E23- CANTREAT Study. Ranibizumab Monthly vs Treat-and-Extend for wAMD - Dr. Peter Kertes
Dr. Peter Kertes discusses the publication of the first year results of the CANTREAT study that investigates monthly vs treat-and-extend dosing of ranibizumab for wet AMD. Full reference: Kertes, P. J., Galic, I. J., Greve, M., Williams, R. G., Rampakakis, E., Scarino, A., & Sheidow, T. (2019). Canadian Treat and Extend Analysis Trial with Ranibizumab in Patients with Neovascular Age-related Ma
E22-Stroke Risk in Patients with CRAO-Dr. Matthew Schrag
Dr. Schrag discusses his publication on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients who present with Central Retinal Artery Occlusion. Discussed article: Lavin, P., Patrylo, M., Hollar, M., Espaillat, K. B., Kirshner, H., & Schrag, M. (2018). Stroke Risk and Risk Factors in Patients With Central Retinal Artery Occlusion. Am J Ophthalmol, 196, 96-100. doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2018.08.027
E21-Eyes with PDR that were Lost to Followup after PRP or Anti-VEGF Treatment- Dr. Jason Hsu
Dr. Jason Hsu discusses the review of patients with PDR who were lost to followup after limited anti-VEGF or PRP treatment and returned for treatment after at least 6 mo. Full reference: Obeid, A., Su, D., Patel, S. N., Uhr, J. H., Borkar, D., Gao, X., . . . Hsu, J. (2018). Outcomes of Eyes Lost to Follow-up with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy That Received Panretinal Photocoagulation versus I
E20-PIVOT Study: Pneumatic Retinopexy vs PPV for RD Repair
Drs. Muni and Hillier discuss the results of the PIVOT study that prospectively compared results of pneumatic retinopexy vs. pars plana vitrectomy for repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. This podcast episode is simulcast with the online appearance of the article. Full reference: Hillier, R. J., Felfeli, T., Berger, A. R., Wong, D. T., Altomare, F., Dai, D., . . . Muni, R. H. (2018). The
E19-LEAD Trial for Use of Nanopulse Laser for Dry AMD-Prof. Robyn Guymer
Professor Robyn Guymer from Melbourne, Australia discusses results of the LEAD trial that investigated the use of nanopulase laser for dry AMD. Full reference of the article: Guymer, R. H., Wu, Z., Hodgson, L. A. B., Caruso, E., Brassington, K. H., Tindill, N., . . . Laser Intervention in Early Stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Study, G. (2018). Subthreshold Nanosecond Laser Intervention
